Advising Team Updates

December 2022

It is officially the start of December, and we are in the homestretch of the semester!

So, the Advising team wanted to connect with you to keep you updated about happenings! As always, if you have questions and/or concerns about your programming, please reach out to your Advisor. Or, stop by Baker Hall!

Reminders from The Advising Team!

Graduation

Commencement Registration

For those of you graduating in Spring or Summer 2023, please remember to apply for graduation! The deadline for those graduating in the Spring is 1/13. You will do this through your student record at student.msu.edu

Information about the commencement ceremony will be coming out sometime after the New Year.

GradPlan

Reminder – please complete your GradPlan if you haven’t already. If you have, and haven’t heard anything, know that it is working through the approval steps. You will hear from your Advisor (or the Graduate School) if something needs to be changed.

More information/explanation can be found at:

https://grad.msu.edu/gradplan

Registration

Registration for Spring is still open.

Required courses/sections (designated by program option) can be found at:

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

Please be sure to enroll in courses only for the program option you are in.

Advisors will be reviewing class lists prior to the start of the semester. If something with your schedule needs to be changed (ex. Section number), you will receive notification from your Advisor. Over break, please remember to check your email occasionally to see if anything needs to be done prior to the start of the semester!

If you are still looking for an elective for Spring, consider SW891-731 or SW871 – they are both great options to dive deep into Advocacy or working with families (Clinical).

Information was recently sent - If you would like additional details and/or have questions, contact the Instructor and/or your Advisor.

Remember – you may need an override for 400 level electives due to a systems issue. If you are not able to self-enroll, please complete the override form at:

https://socialwork.msu.edu/programs/BASW/override-request-form.html

Summer registration is NOT open now, but will be opening in the Spring. You will be receiving information about this as it gets closer.

Waitlists in the SIS system are NOT activated. Therefore, please do not put yourself on them in hopes of getting a seat if one becomes available. Continue to look to see if someone drops the class so you can enroll.

Additional Program Information

Please complete your SIRS for each class. If you have concerns regarding a course and/or Instructor, this is a good place to share them. And, it is also a great place to share what you liked about the course, and how your knowledge and skills were elevated because of it!

These are read by Instructors and Administrators, and used to support faculty in creating and providing the best classroom environment and learning experiences.

The University is on break from December 23 through January 3.

You may continue to get communication from your Advisor, the School of SW, and/or the University during this time.

But, please expect a possible delay in receiving a response during this time.

Field Office Reminder

For students currently in field: Field evaluations, hours, and process recordings are due by 12/9. If students aren’t able to complete those assignments by that date, they should reach out to their field coordinator. If students plan on interning over winter break (between 12/17-1/8) they need to contact their field coordinator.

For students who will be in field during the 2023-2024 academic year: field applications are due 12/9 in Sonia.

If students aren’t sure who their field coordinator is they can contact the field office sw.field@msu.edu and they’ll be routed to the right person.

Student Group News

GradSAC Updates

GradSAC just finished its meetings for the year, but they are still looking for new members!

They will begin having meetings in January. Please be on the lookout for updates for those future meetings.

Phi Alpha

Phi Alpha honor society and GradSAC will be collecting hats, gloves and warm socks in the last two weeks of January.

These winter items will be distributed to homeless people and those in need throughout the Lansing area. Thanks for making our community a bit warmer this winter.

Look for more information next semester!

MSW Flint Programs and Events Survey

The Student Support Coordinator is looking for feedback about events and programs specifically in the Flint area. This will help him curate programmatic efforts for Spring 2023. The survey will close in January and will only take a few minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please email him at vargasra@msu.edu.

Link to Survey

NASW Events

Our partners over at NASW have a calendar of events! They offer a host of networking and educational programs throughout the year, often free or heavily discounted for NASW members and students. Below are some NASW events.

Please use the link below for more details as they are constantly adding new events and resources to support you in your journey as a social worker.

Link to NASW Calendar of Events

Again, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about any resources or support you may need. We wish you a safe and blessed Holiday season, and hope that you enjoy the semester break!

The Graduate Office Advising Team (Jen, Raul, and Kelly)

Michigan State University

655 Auditorium Road

East Lansing, MI 48824

(517) 355-1855