Copy
Hello and welcome to Michigan State University! From all of us in the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), we look forward to helping you navigate your Spartan journey. 

Every other Monday OISS will send you the Welcome Weekly. This newsletter will be filled with information about International Graduate Student Orientation, travel information, and general updates to help prepare for your first semester at MSU. 

This edition of the Welcome Weekly will include: 
  • Introduction to International Graduate Student Orientation
  • Things to consider when planning your travel
  • Campus Partner Feature: Graduate Student Life and Wellness

As a new international graduate student, you will have access to the International Graduate Student Orientation program as well as your department-specific orientation events.  

International Graduate Student Orientation will focus specifically on what you need to know as an international student while studying at MSU. 
 

What to expect from International Graduate Student Orientation:  

D2L Modules: 
Desire2Learn (D2L) is MSU's online learning system. Instructors use D2L for access to course materials, submission of assignments, online testing, grades and more. Learning how to use D2L is an important step in getting ready to study at MSU. We are using it as a one-stop shop for information and resources you'll need for your transition to MSU.

The International Graduate Student Orientation D2L modules will be available beginning Friday, June 10th and should be completed by Sunday, August 14th. 

Accessing the D2L modules: 
  • Login to D2L here
  • Under My Courses select Fall 2022 - International Graduate Student Orientation
  • Read through the information on the first page for instructions on how to navigate through the modules 
There will be 6 modules to complete:
  • Get to Know OISS
  • Immigration and Travel/ Entry
  • Health Insurance and Healthcare
  • MSU COVID19 Mandates and Resources
  • Life in the U.S. 
  • Next Steps and Resources

Orientation Assistants: 
Orientation Assistants are graduate students like you who have been at MSU for a while. They will be available to assist with your transition experience, reinforce important messages from OISS, share personal stories and advice, and support with in-person orientation activities as you arrive and adjust to campus. We will introduce the Orientation Assistants in the Welcome Weekly e-mail and they will reach out to you directly starting in early July. You will be able to communicate with them through D2L, via e-mail, and during their Office Hours.    


In Person Welcome Events: 
Beginning the week of August 22, OISS will have in person welcome  events. Participation is not required though it is highly encouraged. More information to come throughout the Summer. 


Here are a few things to consider:
  • Fly into Lansing or Detroit airport
    • There is an airport shuttle from Detroit to East Lansing called the Michigan Flyer
    • Other close airports are Chicago O'Hare and Grand Rapids, however, transportation from there to East Lansing is difficult
  • Some dates to keep in mind:
    • If you are a Teaching Assistant: in-person International Teaching Assistant Training is August 17th 
    • OISS in-person welcome events start August 24th
    • The Graduate School's in-person Resource Fair and Welcome BBQ is August 27th
    • If you are bringing school-aged children: First day of school in the East Lansing Public School District is August 24th

Graduate Student Life & Wellness (GSLW) is a collaboration between the Graduate School and the division of Student Life & Engagement. Our office is deeply committed to supporting graduate and professional student well-being, which we believe to be the foundation for academic, career, and life success. In support of the academic mission of MSU and in collaboration with many campus partners, we work diligently to ensure that graduate and professional students are provided with meaningful opportunities to improve their overall well-being, helping them to thrive as they pursue degree completion.
 
Please check out our website, specifically this list of resources: https://grad.msu.edu/your-well-being.
Contact the GSLW director, Dr. Meg Moore, with any questions at akehimeg@msu.edu.

 
Watch your inbox for the next edition of the Welcome Weekly newsletter including: 
  • Meet Your OISS Advisor
  • Housing Information
  • Campus Partner Feature: Graduate Teaching Assistant Program
And be sure to follow @OISSMSU on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected throughout the Summer! 
Facebook Facebook
Instagram Instagram
Website Website
Do you have an event or a topic you would like us to feature in the OISS Weekly? 
We'd love to hear from you

Our mailing address is:

427 N. Shaw Lane Room 105
International Center
East Lansing, MI 48824


No longer an MSU international student or scholar? You can unsubscribe from this list.