Advising Team Updates

May 2024

The 2023-2024 academic year has come to an end – which means that we saw the graduation of MSWs as they head into the next phase of their SW journey, we get to walk alongside those who are continuing on in the program, and we have the privilege of welcoming new students as they jump into graduate school in pursuance of their educational dreams!

For all of you – please know that we are glad that we have the privilege of working with you, and are looking forward to supporting you in the future in any ways that we can!

WHAT’S UP?

We wanted to start by sharing about these Advisor Updates

–the who, what, where and why!

Who?

The Graduate Office Advising Team consists of Kelly (Asst. Director/Statewide Blended Advisor), and Jen (East Lansing Advisor). Contact information is below.

Our amazing Graduate Office Team also includes Dr. Takisha LaShore (MSW Program Director) and Amanda (Academic Program Coordinator).

What?

The team will be sending updates (like this one) each month, and will include happenings at the School of SW and the University, programming details, registration assistance, and other opportunities. On each of them you will see the Spartan Head with the megaphone – which will confirm that this message is something to pay attention to!

Please be sure to read these thoroughly!!

Where?

The updates will come via email from the “MSW Advising Team” and will be from Constant Contact. Please check to make sure that you are getting them to your inbox (and not spam/junk).

Why?

The Team wants you to be in the know! We have a lot of great information to share – and this is the best way to make sure that we are keeping all students in the loop!

We understand that you do/will receive a lot of communication from a variety of University entities, and that it can be overwhelming. While we do want you to at least skim those, know that the information that is most important/directly related to your programming will come from the School of SW/Advising Team!

Common Questions

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Summer 1/full semester classes start on May 13!

Summer 2 classes start on July 1!

There are always 2 drop dates for classes; one is when you will get a refund and not have a grade reported. The second one is where you will not get a grade reported, but will NOT get a refund. These dates can be found in SIS. Please be sure to make note of these dates before the semester gets underway.

If you need to make a change to programming, please connect with your Advisor.

Texts that are required will be listed in SIS (student.msu.edu)

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?

Orientation for Advanced Standing 2024 cohorts is May 10! This is required for all incoming Advanced Standing students (in all program options)! It will be held at the Hannah Center, East Lansing, MI. Details regarding time, specific locations, etc. was sent. If you didn’t receive it, you have questions, and/or need accommodations, please reach out to discuss with your Advisor.

Orientation for Regular students is August 20! As it gets closer the Team will be sending out details.

We look forward to meeting you all soon!

AM I ON TRACK?

Please be sure to reference your course of study regularly throughout programming. This will ensure that you are completing requirements (working toward graduation).

Course grids can be found at: https://socialwork.msu.edu/MSW/curriculums.html

A few reminders:

Sections of classes are designated by program option. You need to enroll in courses accordingly.

Regular Students need to complete 6 credits of electives. Advanced Standing students need to complete 10 credits of electives.

OCL students need to complete an additional 3 credits of OCL specific elective credits.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of insufficient enrollment, and/or a need for alterations to programming, a course or course section may need to be changed or cancelled. Should this occur, the School will notify impacted students, and support to identify alternative courses or sections that a student may take.

IS THIS THE RIGHT ROOM?

Summer and Fall registration is open! When we know a date for Spring registration, we will let you know! Please refer to the “current courses” documents that will confirm class requirements and sections (for your program option), as well as elective options offered through the School of Social Work -

https://socialwork.msu.edu/MSW/current-courses.html

You are required to take courses assigned to your program option only – please register accordingly. Electives are open to everyone.

If you have difficulty with registering, and/or have questions, please connect with your Advisor!

Be sure to check the offerings of ALL classes for which you are registered – including start/end dates, drop dates, schedule/format, and required texts.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

As we make some transitions to our Advising Team, please be patient! Although we will be looking a bit different than last year, please know that we are dedicated to providing the best Advising services that we can – and are diligent in supporting you through your programming!

We WILL be working through the Summer, so please connect via email, phone, Zoom or in-person if wanted/needed!

In Closing

As we “Spring” into Summer (semester) – we send sentiments of “welcome” to the 2024 cohorts, and “keep up the good work” to those continuing in the program!

Kelly Fornwalt – Assistant Program Director & Statewide Blended Advisor - fornwalt@msu.edu

Jen Scholes – East Lansing Advisor - warrenj7@msu.edu

Michigan State University

655 Auditorium Road

East Lansing, MI 48824

(517) 355-1855