The Spartan Orientation Station

Madison Sewick
  • 4.0 (5)
  • COURSES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Nervous about starting at Michigan State? Worried about your class schedule, living away from home, or where to even start? The Spartan Orientation Station (SOS) is a podcast hosted by New Student Orientation staff and was created by students for students. This podcast will launch twice a week throughout the summer, and each episode will feature a unique interview with campus departments discussing their services, common misconceptions, and fun Spartan engagement opportunities. When you need help at Michigan State, it is okay to signal SOS! Don’t worry – MSU is there for you.

  1. 08/01/2025

    Spartan Orientation Station – Family Fridays Edition: Final Preparations for a Strong Start

    Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we focus on final preparations and early-semester guidance to help Spartans start strong. With move-in and the first week of classes just ahead, we’re sharing practical tips to ease the transition and build confidence for the semester ahead. This episode features insights from members of MSU’s Family and Supporter Committee—students who’ve spent months crafting resources and programs designed to support both students and their families. From navigating safety tools to encouraging campus involvement, they reflect on the role supporters play in helping Spartans recharge, stay motivated, and make the most of their college experience. Whether you're prepping for arrival or looking ahead to the first year, this episode offers timely advice straight from current students.

    35 min

  2. 07/03/2025

    Spartan Orientation Station – Family Fridays Edition: Supporting Spartan Success with Persistence Strategies for Long-Term Success

    Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we focus on supporting Spartan success, with an emphasis on persistence strategies and long-term success throughout the college journey. Joined by Dr. Christina Bridges and Justin St. Charles, LMSW, from MSU’s Strategic Retention Unit, we explore how students, families, and supporters can engage with resources that help Spartans thrive both academically and personally. Whether you’re looking for ways to encourage your student’s persistence, wondering how to best support them during challenges, or hoping to build long-term habits for success, this episode offers practical insights, strategies, and encouragement for the path ahead.

    41 min

  3. 06/24/2025

    Living Community Series: James Madison College

    Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of our Living Community series, we are featuring James Madison College, also called JMC. JMC is a residential college at Michigan State focused on creating an inclusive learning community that empowers students to pursue equity and justice through public service and civic engagement. Today we are welcoming Jahshua to discuss all things James Madison. Thank you so much for joining us today!  For more information on James Madison, visit their website jmc.msu.edu or follow them on Instagram @jmcmsu.

    19 min

  4. 06/12/2025

    Mosaic Center

    Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode, we will be discussing the MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach! For more information about the MOSAIC Center, visit their office on the second floor of the MSU Union. For connections on social media, students can find the Campus Interfaith Council @msu_cic and Women*s Student Services @womensstudentservicesmsu on Instagram!

    17 min

  5. 06/10/2025

    Living Community Series: Arts LLC

    Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of our Living Community series, we are featuring the Arts Living Learning Community. The Arts LLC focuses on socially engaged art and emphasizes belonging and community for its students. For more information about the Arts LLC, visit their website at artsliving.msu.edu or follow them on Instagram @allc_msu.

    18 min

  6. 06/05/2025

    Undergraduate Research

    Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode, we will be discussing Undergraduate Research at MSU! Undergraduate research is conducted in all sorts of different forms and disciplines, and the UR team is here to help you find the best opportunity for you! Today, we welcome Dr. Brian Keas and Brittany Guercio Finch from the Office of Undergraduate Research to the podcast! For more information about Undergraduate Research, visit their website at urca.msu.edu or follow them on Instagram @ur_at_msu.

    16 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Living Community Series: Honors College

    Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On today’s edition of the Spartan Orientation Station’s Living Community series, we are speaking with the Honors College! The Honors College at MSU is home to high-achieving scholars dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. Joining us today are Melanie and Noah who are here to chat about all things Honors! Thanks for joining us! For more information about the Honors College, visit their website honors.msu.edu or follow them on Instagram @msuhonors.

    17 min
  8. Family Fridays Edition: Navigating College Transitions, Family Challenges, and Campus Support

    05/30/2025

    Family Fridays Edition: Navigating College Transitions, Family Challenges, and Campus Support

    Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical adjustments that both students and families/supporters often experience as college begins. Joined by Dr. Olivia Scott from MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), we discuss common challenges, how to recognize signs a student might be struggling, and the range of support resources available on campus, including CAPS, peer networks, and Spartan Family Connections. Whether you're preparing for a long-distance transition or simply adjusting to a new dynamic at home, this episode offers helpful tips, reflection, and reassurance for the journey ahead.

    26 min
See All (51)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Nervous about starting at Michigan State? Worried about your class schedule, living away from home, or where to even start? The Spartan Orientation Station (SOS) is a podcast hosted by New Student Orientation staff and was created by students for students. This podcast will launch twice a week throughout the summer, and each episode will feature a unique interview with campus departments discussing their services, common misconceptions, and fun Spartan engagement opportunities. When you need help at Michigan State, it is okay to signal SOS! Don’t worry – MSU is there for you.

Information