Audiences: current students, admitted students, employees, current and admitted student parents, alums and BOT
Dear Spartans and friends,
Color season is at its peak; students are set for an extended weekend fall break; and I’m looking forward to hitting the road next week for our latest Spartan Bus Tour. It's an exciting time to be a Spartan, with much to celebrate across our university and throughout the state.
Taking Spartan impact on the road
Our next Spartan Bus Tour will take 65 faculty members and senior leaders through communities across southern Michigan, from Bridgman to Monroe. As we get a chance to appreciate some of the places Spartans call home, we’ll also see MSU’s engagement throughout the region.
We’ll connect with community partners, visit cultural and historical landmarks, and even make a friendly stop at the University of Michigan. While our athletic rivalry is as spirited as ever ahead of our football game Nov. 7, our shared commitment to serving the people of Michigan offers plenty of opportunities for collaboration.
Opening doors to a Spartan education
Expanding opportunity is central to our mission, and I’m proud to share that we’re making an MSU education more accessible to Michigan families.
We’re expanding our Spartan Tuition Advantage program to cover the full cost of tuition for all in-state Pell Grant–eligible students with a family income up to $75,000 — a $10,000 increase in the cap. Already benefiting nearly 4,000 students, the program covers up to 18 credits of tuition for up to eight consecutive semesters through federal, state and institutional gift aid. Gift aid does not require repayment or a work obligation.
Additionally, we’re celebrating National Transfer Student Week through Friday, Oct. 23, by waiving our application fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying as transfer students. Additionally, the application fee for citizens and permanent residents applying to our agricultural technology program will be waived through Saturday, Oct. 31. Every step we take to remove barriers helps more students see themselves as Spartans.
Voices and votes
At Michigan State, we believe education and civic engagement go hand in hand. From fostering civil discourse in our classrooms to welcoming thought leaders through our Presidential Speaker Series, we are committed to preparing students to engage thoughtfully in our democracy.
We’re proud of MSU’s longtime designation as a Voter Friendly Campus, supported by MSUvote, a nonpartisan committee working with community partners including local clerks and the League of Women Voters. MSUvote offers a wealth of events and resources this season to support student registration, education and participation.
To our MSU students in particular: Make sure to confirm the community you’re registered in and where to cast your ballot. For East Lansing voters, an Early Voting Center at WKAR studios in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building is now open.
Your vote is your voice. Make it count.
Recognizing excellence
I’m pleased to share the latest global recognition of Michigan State’s excellence. MSU ranks among the top 5% of universities in the new Times Higher Education 2027 World University rankings, up 12 places from last year to No. 93 and, in the United States, placed at No. 35.
These rankings reflect the talent, dedication and impact of our faculty, staff and researchers, whose work continues to elevate Michigan State around the globe.
Celebrating our Spartan spirit
Fall also brings the energy of Spartan athletics, and there’s plenty to cheer about! Our men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and hockey teams are off to strong starts, and I’m grateful to the student-athletes, coaches and staff who represent our university with pride.
As we celebrate their achievements, we also remember legendary Spartan track and field coach Jim Bibbs, whose recent passing reminds us of the lasting impact our coaches and mentors have on generations of Spartans.
Finally, I invite you to watch the newest Big Ten Academic Alliance video, which will air on television and digital platforms during Big Ten sporting events. The video offers a glimpse at the impact and contributions of our 18 Big Ten member universities, from crops that feed the world to advances in civil rights to helping develop the internet.
There’s so much to be proud of at Michigan State, and even more to look forward to.
Go Green!
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
(pronounced GUS-ka-wits)
President
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor
Department of Kinesiology