517-353-9189

Archive for category: Advocacy

You are here: / / Advocacy

NEURODIVERSITY FAIR: April 19 @ the MSU Union

MSU Union, Lake Huron Room, 1PM to 3PM
Did you know that every brain works differently? Do you want to learn about and appreciate the vibrant spectrum of the human mind? To celebrate Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) will be hosting a Neurodiversity Fair on April 19 from 1 to 3 in the MSU Union. Join us to break down stereotypes, spark conversations, and build a more inclusive community. Whether you are neurodiverse or simply curious, this event is your chance to explore and understand unique perspectives. Learn about strengths, challenges, and support strategies. Connect with a community that values the empowerment of diverse minds. ALL are WELCOME!

UPDATE to Graduate Assistant Illness, Injury, and Pregnancy Leave Policy

April 2025: There has been an update to the Graduate Assistant Illness, Injury, and Pregnancy Leave Policy. This update entitles Graduate Assistants to paid family sick leave in accordance with the new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) passed on February 21, 2025. The amended version of ESTA covers part-time employees, including student employees and Graduate Assistants.

In accordance with ESTA, we have made updates to the “Graduate Assistant Illness, Injury, and Pregnancy Leave Policy” in the Academic Programs Catalog and will be communicating with GEU. To learn more about the new policy, please visit our FAQ resource.

If you have any questions about the revisions to this policy, please contact the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs at FASAffairs@msu.edu.

Celebrating 45 years of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy

The Progress for Civil Rights Continues:
Celebrating 45 years of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy

Join the MSU Community throughout January, in celebration of the legacy of Dr. King and historical events that took place in our nation and on our campus.

2025 MLK Jr. Celebration Events Calendar

*If you would like to attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Unity Dinner on Thursday, January 16th, please make sure to Register asap. This event is free, and registration is required: go.msu.edu/mlkrsvp

Update on spaces at Berkey Hall, MSU Union

On August 1, 2024, President Guskiewicz issued this update to the Spartan community  on the spaces at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. Read the full letter on Spartans Together here.  

spartanstogether.msu.edu is a website dedicated to provided information, news and updates on topics surrounding the  violence the MSU community experienced on campus the evening of Feb. 13, 2023.

Join the GRAD Coalition At The Sept. 19th Congressional Briefing on September 19, 2024

The GRAD Coalition is inviting graduate students conducting research in emerging technology fields to present posters at their September 2024 Congressional Staffer Briefing. This event aims to advocate for federal funding in graduate student research and highlight its importance in advancing scientific innovation. Students from various disciplines are encouraged to participate and showcase their interdisciplinary research, emphasizing its relevance to federal investment in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and more. Presenters can choose to focus on either posters or demonstrations, with presentations expected to be 3-5 minutes long in an expo format.

This is not just another event but a paramount platform for voicing the concerns and sharing the experiences of Graduate Students from across the United States. Your participation and representation can make a tangible impact.

When: Thursday, September 19th

Where: Washington D.C. & via Zoom

What: Congressional Briefing of the Graduate Research and Development (GRAD) Coalition

Registration Link: GRAD Coalition Briefing Registration

The GRAD Coalition exists to support the efforts and initiatives of the U.S. House of Representatives – Graduate Research and Development (GRAD) Caucus. The Coalition promotes graduate student needs to GRAD Caucus members, helps develop legislative priorities for the Caucus, and organizes events, including issue briefings and research symposiums. While ultimate legislative jurisdiction remains with the Caucus, the GRAD Coalition supports Caucus efforts and ensures that issues affecting graduate students remain a point of focus for elected officials.

For more information on the Briefing and submissions, contact the GRAD Coalition team at graduate.coalition@gmail.com. 

Resource from DDNRC: Talking Across Political Differences on Campus

The Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center is a resource that universities look to for information and support.  The following resources were offered in a webinar series to the MSU Community this spring and includes:
Resources
You can access their website here: https://www.difficultdialogues.org/webinars

MSU Juneteenth Celebration June 14, 2024

Attend the 4th annual MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is Acknowledging the Journey: Freedom, Resilience, Empowerment and Liberation. 

The commemoration features the multi-faceted musician and host Rodney Page, gospel music by Gregory D and Company, jazz music by the MSU College of Music, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Phoenix Miranda and more.