What should students KNOW after orientation, prior to move-in?
What should students DO after orientation, prior to move-in?
What should students DO during their first semester?
Academic Advising
Make and attend your first follow-up appointment with an academic advisor BEFORE November
- Discuss how fall classes are going
- Discuss career goals and goals in college
- Discuss future course selection
Build community and get involved
- Participate in study groups in your classes and halls
- Take part in LBC and Holmes Hall orgs and student government groups
- Engage in an extra-curricular event or activity (i.e. events offered through the University Activities Board, MSU Museum, Broad Art Museum, Wharton Center, collegiate athletics, intramural sports, student orgs or clubs, musical or artistic groups, community service and volunteer opportunities, religious organizations, etc.)
Consult LBC Peer Learning Facilitators and Peer Mentors
Make an appointment with an LBC Peer Support Coordinator
- Discuss how the fall semester is going
- Discuss how you're navigating campus
- Discuss campus resources
- Discuss how you're getting involved on campus and meeting people
Engage in Career Exploration and Support
- Attend major and career fairs offered through the Career Services Network
- Check MSU email for LBC Career updates and events for first-year students
- Get acquainted with Handshake, MSU's main site for student jobs and career-related events
- Remain open-minded and curious about possible careers in the sciences
Prepare for Spring Enrollment
Enroll in classes for spring semester in November (Summer enrollment also opens in November)
What should students DO during their second semester?
Advising Appointments
Make an advising appointment before spring break to discuss majors/minors and fall/summer enrollment and future planning.
Enroll in future courses
Enroll in Summer and/or Fall semester courses in March
Explore High Impact Learning Experiences
High Impact Learning Experiences include opportunities like undergraduate research, internships, clinical experiences, education abroad and away, service opportunities, etc.
Optional: Declare major/minor (if known)
If you have decided on a major or minor, declare it using this LBC Major/Minor Declaration Form
What should students have done by the end of their second, or sophomore year?
Advising Appointments
Create an extended course plan with your major advisor and have the plan confirmed with a Briggs academic advisor
Declare major/minor
All MSU students must declare their desired majors/minors by the end of sophomore year, or by the time you have a cumulative 56 credits. Declare your major/minor using the LBC Major Declaration Form
Engage in Career-Related Resources
- Attend LBC Career workshops to explore career options and connect with LBC alumni in various industries.
- Consult an LBC Peer Support Coordinator, who specializes in career support
- Attend career/graduate/professional school fairs
- Start building a rapport with professors and mentors who could provide recommendations later
Ongoing Enrollment
Enroll in Spring courses in November, and Summer and/or Fall semester courses in March
What should students have done by the end of their third, or junior year?
Advising Appointments
Make an academic advising appointment to assess progress toward graduation and goals.
Engage in Career-Related Activities
- Write a cover letter
- Create an updated resume
- Attend LBC workshops and networking events to continue your career exploration
- Build rapports with faculty and mentors, which will be useful for recommendations and benefit your professional goals.
Engage in a High Impact Learning Experience
Line up high impact experience (outlined in the first-year, second semester section of the Advising Syllabus)
Enroll in ongoing courses
Enroll in Fall and Summer Courses in March, and Spring Courses in November
What should students have done by the end of their fourth, or senior year?
Advising Appointments
At the start of the fall semester, make an advising appointment to asses progress toward graduation and goals.
Apply to Graduate
Enroll in ongoing courses to reach a minimum of 120 credits
Enroll in remaining Spring/Summer courses in November
High-Impact Learning Experience
Make sure you've engaged in a high-impact learning experience
Prepare for your next career steps
- Create a professional identity
- Know your online image – purge your online image – check privacy settings – clean online profile
- Create a LinkedIn profile page
- Update resume & cover letters
- Have letters of recommendation ready for graduate/professional schools and employers
- Attend LBC Career workshops to network with Briggs alumni in various career areas.
- Attend medical school/graduate school preparation events to write your personal statement for applications