January 2023

Music Student Bulletin

1.11.23 Bulletin  |  1.19.23 Bulletin  |  1.26.23 Bulletin
 



Music Student Bulletin 1.26.23
 

Statements regarding violence toward Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian communities
 
Concern over theft and protecting personal belongings
 
Complimentary menstruation products on campus

 


Statements regarding violence toward Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian communities


FROM APIDA/AFSA:
"The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty Staff Association (APIDA/ASFA) share our communities' sadness and outrage about the events affecting APIDA/Asian communities across the nation, including the hateful attack at Indiana University and the horrific shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay; we stand in solidarity with those communities, as well all those affected by violence, including communities affected by the four other mass shootings that have occurred in the US since January 21 (as of writing this message). During a time when many APIDAs should gather with family to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are grappling with violence aimed at our community. As our country and university question why such acts occur, we value both thoughts and prayers AND action against injustices, oppressions, and systems and policies that make this type of violence far too common. Let us transform our community so that we truly embody the values we espouse."

FROM INTERIM PRESIDENT TERESA K. WOODRUFF
"I join Spartans across our campus and beyond in shock and grief over the recent violence toward the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian communities in California and Indiana. These tragic incidents have clouded the joy accompanying the start of Lunar New Year celebrations, and I mourn with our APIDA and Asian community. Leaders across campus are committed to engaging with MSU community members to discuss concerns arising from these incidents, however distant the tragedies may have been. We stand together against violence and with our APIDA and Asian Spartans in this time of sadness, outrage and concern."
 

Concern over theft and protecting personal belongings

Recently, an unfortunate incident occurred when a Music student's instrument and other belongings were stolen while in the restroom for a very brief time. This occurred on the third floor of the Music Practice Building, and police were called right away. Please do not leave belongings unattended in the hallways or practice rooms even for a short time. While we enjoy a very safe environment overall, we must stay vigilant and cautious. As they say at the MSU sporting events, if you see something, say something. This is likely an isolated incident, but we must never take that for granted. 


Complimentary menstruation products on campus

Sharing the following message from MSU, in case you missed it:

Menstruation products are a basic health necessity, and the lack of access to products can take a toll on the physical health, mental health, and education of university students. MSU recognizes this need and is pleased to inclusively support students and help create an equitable environment for Spartans to manage menstrual hygiene safely and with dignity.

The MSU divisions of Student Life & Engagement (SLE) and Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) have installed additional complimentary menstruation product dispensers in women’s and all-gender restrooms on first floors (or nearest restrooms to the first floor) of student-facing buildings over winter break. We expect a full implementation by the end of January 2023. 

The Mission Menstruation X MSU student organization has worked closely with MSU throughout the research, trial and implementation processes of this initiative. We are thankful for their efforts, along with other student leaders and faculty and staff advocates, to help move this initiative forward to implementation. Thanks to Mission Menstruation X MSU, Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU), Residence Halls Association (RHA), Women’s Advisory Committee for Support Staff (WACSS), Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC), and Women*s Student Services for their continued support of menstrual hygiene for MSU students. 

Please note, Mission Menstruation X MSU plans to offer free menstrual products in men’s restrooms of buildings where all-gender restrooms are not present.

We are in process of developing a comprehensive map that shows where students can find complimentary menstrual hygiene product dispensers across campus. In the interim, the Student Life & Engagement website has a list of locations where dispensers have been installed: https://sle.msu.edu/menstruation-products, and the WACSS website shares where Mission Menstruation X MSU provides additional products: https://wacss.msu.edu/emergencymhp/index.html. 
 


Music Student Bulletin 1.19.23
 

RVSM study results and resources
 
Free COVID vaccine clinic on campus
 
Undergraduate Research Funding
 
Three opportunities to show support for your Music student colleagues
 


RVSM study results and resources

Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) at MSU is addressed in the release of the 2022 Know More Survey. More than 11,500 of MSU students, faculty and staff participated in an online campus climate survey designed to assess the culture, perceptions and policies associated with RVSM. The 2022 Know More Survey results indicate there are lower rates of sexual harassment, sexual assault, workplace incivility and/or other harm experienced by the campus community relative to 2019. The results also tell us that more people have participated in training, are more aware of some of the resources available to them and found those resources to be helpful. This is good news.

The data also tells us there are areas that require ongoing work and diligence. For the 2022 survey, data was collected to be more inclusive of our transgender and nonbinary community members. The results indicate that this group experiences victimization at significantly higher rates than cisgender members of the community.

Our RVSM special advisers, Professor Rebecca Campbell and MSU Police and Public Safety Deputy Chief Andrea Munford, are leading next steps following the survey. With the RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup, they will identify areas of RVSM prevention and response that have been successfully implemented over the past four years. This team will also look for areas that require improvement, seek community feedback, and recommend corrective courses of action.

In the meantime, Michigan State University’s on-campus RVSM-related programs and counseling services stand ready to provide free and confidential support services to students, staff, and faculty. These critical services include MSU Safe Place; Center for Survivors; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), which offers counseling services to students; and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers counseling services for staff and faculty.

These programs and services are always available to anyone seeking assistance; however, MSU understands that some groups — particularly transgender and nonbinary individuals who often experience abuse and trauma at higher rates — may not fully trust or feel safe approaching these four resource units. As such, MSU is immediately offering the following specific outreach and supportive services:

MSU Safe Place will be at the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC), weekly from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., effective Jan. 12, 2023. Students can stop by GSCC without an appointment during these open hours or can reach out to Lara Hayden at haydenL8@msu.edu to schedule an appointment for support services at a more convenient time.

Center for Survivors is collaborating with MSU Safe Place to gather information to create peer-led support groups for GSCC-connected survivors of RVSM. Individuals can receive information and/or support by contacting the Center for Survivors by: 

  • Email at general@msu.edu. 
  • Onsite walk-in visit from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building. 
  • Phone at (517) 355-3551 during business hours. 
  • 24/7 MSU Sexual Assault Hotline at (517) 372-6666. 
  • Crisis chat at https://centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/ seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

CAPS has a dedicated counselor available weekly at the GSCC for students seeking any type of support. Ginny Blakely will be available at the GSCC for CAPS Connect on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Jan. 24, 2023. Individuals can sign up for a 20-minute in-person consultation at https://caps.msu.edu/services/CAPSConnect.html.

In her community letter, Interim President Teresa Woodruff encouraged all MSU students to:

  • Read through the survey report and follow progress on MSU’s Our Commitment website.
  • Attend upcoming campus meetings about the survey, which will be announced soon and will be led by MSU’s RVSM experts.
  • Contact her if you have immediate questions, please email presmail@msu.edu. 


Free COVID vaccine clinic on campus

Michigan State University and the Ingham County Health Department will partner again to offer a COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine clinic at the Breslin Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 24.

The clinic is open to the campus community and the public, and the following vaccinations will be available:

  • First- and second-shot doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
  • The COVID-19 bivalent booster
  • Seasonal influenza vaccine

What you need to know:

  • Bring a valid ID (MSU student/employee IDs are acceptable).
  • Bring your health insurance information if available.
  • Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card or information sheet if available.
  • Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made via the health department website. Walk-ins will be accepted until 5:45 p.m. each day.
  • Free parking is available in Lot 63 off Harrison Road, to the south of Breslin.
  • Enter Breslin using the southeast Hall of History entrance by the Magic Johnson statue.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment. Wear clothing with short sleeves and do not fast before your appointment if possible.
  • CATA provides free transportation across campus to those who need it.


Undergraduate Research Funding

The College of Music has funding available for undergraduate music students to support special projects that make a creative and/or scholarly contribution, and enhance the development of students as scholars, artists, composers, and teachers. Consider applying for Undergraduate Research funding to support Spring and Summer participation at competitions, music festivals, and summer conference attendance or presentations. Visit the undergraduate research funding page for more information.

 

Three opportunities to show support for you Music student colleagues

RUNNING START LIVE PITCH
On January 29, at 1:00 PM in Murray Hall, support your student colleagues as eight student entrepreneurs from the College of Music pitch their ideas for innovative projects and businesses in music to a live audience and panel of judges. Finalists are competing for up to $2,500 to fund their projects. 

Watch live in the hall or catch the Zoom Webinar (registration is required). Click here to register for the webinar.

FREE RUSH TICKETS
Part of the Worthington Family Foundation Opera Theatre Season, Celebration of the Beautiful Voice is a gala event on January 22 at 3pm in Fairchild Theatre featuring senior and graduate student voices from the MSU Vocal Arts area. Support your College of Music colleagues as these vocalists pour their hearts into arias and scenes from classic and modern operas!

Securing Rush Tickets:

  • Tickets will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. one weekday prior to the event.
  • Tickets must be picked up in person at the Main Office, 102 MB (Hours: Mon.–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
  • Seats are limited and only available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Only College of Music students are eligible for this offer.

HONORS CONCERT COMPETITION
 A dozen MSU student musicians take the Fairchild Theatre stage to compete for a spot in the Honors Concert. Cheer them on starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 21. Check here for the full list of performers.



Music Student Bulletin 1.11.23
 

Meeting your future music theory teacher
 
MSU reminders for a healthy start to the year
 
Free technology training resources
 
Update on musicians ear plugs
 


Meet your future Music Theory teacher

The three finalists for an open faculty position in music theory will be on campus during the next two weeks. There is time set aside for each of them to talk with students throughout the college. You can bring questions, or just chat with them and eat the free snacks.

  • Thursday, 1/12, 1:00-2:00pm, 241 MB: Dr. Nick Schumacher
  • Tuesday, 1/17, 1:00-2:00pm, 241 MB: Prof. Jacy Pedersen
  • Thursday, 1/19, 1:00-2:00pm, 241 MB: Prof. David Falterman


MSU reminders for a healthy start to the year

The College of Music supports and emphasizes recent information provided by University Physicial Michael Brown. It is imperative we not let our guard down amid the myriad illnesses affecting many of us this winter, including COVID-19 and influenza.

We strongly encourage all members of the campus community to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. As soon as you are eligible, please consider receiving the bivalent COVID-19 booster, available at the MSU Health Care Pharmacy and many locations across the state and country. And it is not too late to receive the influenza vaccine, which also is available at the MSU Health Care Pharmacy. Students can get vaccinated at Olin Health Center, too, which requires an appointment by calling 517-353-4660.

Washing hands frequently and cleaning your personal spaces and workspaces regularly are more actions you can take to minimize your risk for illness. And while MSU has no university-wide masking requirement, students, faculty and staff should feel supported in choosing to wear masks as an added protective measure.

As a reminder, COVID-19 PCR testing at the MSU Clinical Center resumes Jan. 9 and is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. We will continue to evaluate testing needs on campus over the coming weeks.

If you do test positive, the Together We Will website provides specific COVID-19 guidance. In general, for any illness, remember to keep your distance from others as best you can, get rest, stay hydrated and consider wearing a mask to better protect yourself and others around you. Seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

For students living on campus, more information—including how to make meal pickup arrangements—can be found on the Live On website. General health resources for all students can be found at the Student Health & Wellness website.  


Free technology training resources

Learn the basics about new software or elevate your fluency with spring technology training from MSU IT. Training is available all semester and offered at no cost to all MSU students, faculty, and staff. Learn about collaboration tools like Zoom, Spartan 365, and specific Microsoft apps like Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, and Forms. MSU IT offers a variety of training options to suit your busy schedule. In-person training courses, virtual-led training courses, and on-demand course recordings are all available in addition to weekly office hours for those who have questions or need help. Visit SpartansLearn for details, course dates, and registration.


Update on musicians ear plugs

Musicians’ earplugs remain available for purchase in the dean's office only, 105 Music Building. The cost is now $14. Reminder: the office can only accept cash or check. Please bring $14 exact cash or check as no change can be provided.