Dear campus community,
As we enter the final month of the academic year, there is an unmistakable energy across campus that reflects the momentum of our shared learning, discovery and experiences. My favorite moments continue to be those spent with students: in classrooms, walking across campus, at athletic events or anywhere curiosity and connection are on display.
I am especially grateful for the opportunities to meet with students directly — over dinner, at their clubs and organizations, and in small group conversations — about what matters most. I deeply value these unique perspectives, which continue to influence my own understanding and our work at Michigan State University.
Reaffirming our values
Students, like all of us, are also navigating challenges shaped by global and political events, personal circumstances, and, at times, social issues here on our own campus. It’s important that we acknowledge these realities and their impact and learn how we can continue to support one another despite our differences in experience or opinion.
Last month, we launched the Presidential Speaker Series as part of our ongoing effort to discuss, model and strengthen civil discourse. As a public research university, we have a responsibility to uphold the principles of free speech that are foundational to higher education. We also have a responsibility to support students as they navigate speech that can be harmful, misleading or deeply challenging. And we reaffirm our commitment to counter hate while supporting one another as Spartans.
For Spartans, it means protecting the open exchange of ideas, including those that are controversial or unpopular, while equipping students with skills and support to question, analyze and respond. In doing so, we affirm both the right to speak out and to share the responsibility to foster a community grounded in empathy, learning and respect.
Make your voice heard
We are building this community together, and it is the collective of our individual efforts that can create and maintain an inclusive environment where all feel welcomed, safe and valued. One where every community member, every day, supports the success of every student, staff and faculty member.
To be successful in this goal, we must first know where the true strengths and opportunities exist within our current climate. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to complete the Spartan Community Survey. The results of this survey will inform institutional leadership and influence resource allocation and future strategies that strengthen the academic mission and support every Spartan’s ability to thrive.
You would have already received a personalized invitation, via email, from our external partner, SoundRocket (surveys@srsrv.com), with a secure link to complete the survey. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, April 9, and it only takes 15 minutes.
Let’s finish this semester strong and proud of the work we’ve accomplished together. Please continue to support one another and help ensure our campus remains as welcoming as it is vibrant.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
(pronounced GUS-ka-wits)
President
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor
Department of Kinesiology
P.S. I often like to remind our community, “It’s a great day to be a Spartan!” That’s particularly true today, as we recognize 100 years of being called the Spartans. If you don’t know the story behind our name, take a moment to learn our history. Go Green!