#academic orientation program

[lifeatstate-blog]

The AOP Resource Fair

Working at AOP for the day brought back a lot of memories. I remember walking into the resource fair at the end of AOP glad that it was the last thing to do, then I could meet up with my mom. I know that it's in the exact same space as it was when I went, but I remember it being so much bigger. I guess that's part of the Freshman point-of-view. Everything seems so much bigger when you're excited and it's new. I still remember walking around in that circle seeing just what everything was. The sad thing that I remember was that some people weren't interested in talking to the freshman when I was there. The cool thing is that this time around, that feeling is not there. Everyone is interested in getting to know the freshmen and making them feel welcomed and interested in the different clubs/groups/resources that are available to them. With that being said, do NOT be afraid to go up to booths! I know that you guys have to have three stickers to leave but visit any and all the booths that catch your eye or seem of interest. The Writing Center booth definitely wants visitors and there's candy and nice people who want to talk. Definitely check out all the booths that you can. You never know what cool information you may discover or clubs that you may want to join or some place you want to work. We're all Spartans and we want you all to feel as welcome as possible. So don't be shy! Just some words of relaxation, Campus is really big and can be overwhelming. However, once you start class and have a couple days to wonder around and such, it's not big anymore. Also, Campus is beautiful! Take time to smell the flowers, walk by the river, and enjoy the quiet of the summer. Don't forget all the other stuff you can do while you're here too, like go the the Broad Art Museum, the MSU Museum, the MSU Dairy Store, the Union, and loads of other places. Have fun while you're here!

[lifeatstate-blog]

AOP Has Started! Please Pardon our Construction

AOP, also known as the Academic Orientation Program, has started this week and campus is buzzing with Freshmen and their parents. It brings back so many memories from when I did my AOP. Although, my AOP was in the middle of July. It was a lot warmer and a lot more sun. I feel bad for those of you that had to walk around in the crazy rain we had. Hopefully you guys missed the worst of it. With the start of AOP, there is also POP, which is the Parent Orientation Program. It's meant to give parents information and helpful tips for when their students come here in the fall; nothing bad or anything. Attending MSU/starting college is a transition for Parents as well as the students. Everyone learns loads of information about MSU and schedules classes so that they feel better when it comes time for classes to start in the fall.  Some of you may already know but there is a Resource Fair at the end of your AOP. It has a lot of different opportunities that are available at MSU whether it be jobs, help centers, greek life, or even performances at the Wharton Center. It's a way to show all the resources and opportunities that are available to you as a Spartan. I'm not sure of everything that's there because I haven't been in so long. I do know that the MSU Writing Center is there! I definitely suggest checking out our booth, we have tons of Swag for you guys. Also, I will be at the AOP resource fair on the 17th at the Writing Center booth! This is the only day I will be there though :/. So come talk to me! Ask us questions! Even if I'm not there, the people who will be are all awesome! We're here to help out. So come see us! It seems like our construction intensified right around the time AOP started, which sucks for everyone. Campus is a lot nicer and more relaxing when construction barrels aren't around every corner. The bus routes are entirely messed up from the construction but according to a bus driver, they're ahead of schedule with their Grand River project so they should be done by the end of June. Yay!

[smalltownspartan-blog]

Looking for a GREAT summer job on MSU's campus? Work for AOP!

Being a Resident Assistant for 2012 AOP sessions was by far the best experience of my life! The 2013 Full Time Staff (Resident Assistant and Office Staff) application is up at http://orientation.msu.edu/fulltimeapp.htm! 

Applications are accepted through January 23, 2013. If you have any questions, I would be thrilled to help you out!

Have a wonderful day!

[lifeatstate-blog]

I was at AOP last week, and my only concern is HOW DO I DEAL WITH SHARING A BATHROOM WITH 3 OTHER PEOPLE???? Especially since the doors don't lock on the inside????? During AOP we kept walking in in each other and it was super awk. How do we prevent this??? THANKS!

Hello!!Congrats on your acceptance and Welcome to MSU! I hope you loved the campus and enjoyed your time at AOP; the fall will be amazing and you'll love it. Ah yes, the suite-style rooms. Honestly, that's a big reason why I didn't want one. Not only do you have to share it and plan shower times and such, but you also have to clean it. However, you don't have to run down the hall to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and you can decorate it. How do you deal with it? Well, here are a couple suggestions:

Try to get along with your suite-mates. This will make planning when to clean the bathroom and when to shower a lot easier, not to mention it will probably make living in the room a lot easier. 

Make a sign/door hanging you can put on the bathroom door when it's occupied. This can help the no lock situation. See if your other suite-mates that aren't in your room will do the same. 

Set the rules on the first day you all meet. What I mean is, establish boundaries and discuss possible issues and who is buying what, etc. The earlier you do this, the better understanding everyone will get. It may even be helpful to write out an agreement of sorts and have everyone sign it. 

Make sure everyone contributes. One week/month, one person buys toilet paper and the next someone else. The more someone is "invested" in something, the more likely they'll want to make sure it is taken care of. 

Clean as you go. To avoid big blow ups over the bathroom being clean, try to get everyone to clean up as they go along. So hair out the shower and throwing things away as they go. It'll make the "big clean up" a lot easier and smaller. 

If you keep stuff in the bathroom (body wash, toothpaste, etc) that you don't want other people using, either: label it and say please don't use it initially, OR keep it in your room in a shower caddy and just take it in when you need it.

If you have the same towels, body wash, toothbrush, hair brush/comb, dryer, etc, as someone else, make sure you can tell the difference between yours and theirs if you don't want them using it or vice versa.

These are just some things I can think of that might making have a shared bathroom easier. There are also companies that will clean your dorm and bathroom every two weeks for a price if you don't want to do that. I really suggest just talking to your suite-mates and setting some rules like knocking before entering and making the door hangings for your side of the bathroom in your dormroom.Also, what dorm are you in? Because some dorms have community bathrooms, in which case you won't have to worry about it! Either way, I'm sure you'll be ok. Our mind comes up with scenarios that are usually a lot worse than it will be. If push comes to shove though, you can move to a different dorm on campus. I'm sure you'll be ok though. Be optimistic! Go Green! Jenn 

[lifeatstate-blog]

What should I bring to AOP? Also, should I bring a suitcase or just a backpack or what? Thanks!!

Hi!Congrats on your admission to MSU! Welcome and I hope that you enjoy your year as a Spartan! The campus is epic and it's a major transition but it's amazing and you will love it.For AOP, you don't really need to bring a lot. You could bring a small suitcase or big back pack and that would probably be fine. A change of clothes, WALKING shoes, bathroom accessories (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash/soap, shampoo if you want to wash your hair, etc) a brush, maybe extra clothes. You'll want to bring your phone and charger. You will have papers to take home so make sure you have room in your book bag or suitcase. You may want to bring sunscreen also. It will probably be hot so keep that in mind. If they want you to bring anything specific don't forget that too. Some people bring fans and pillows and comforters. There isn't any air so the room will be hot. I didn't bring a fan or anything but you're more than welcome to. You have to carry everything to the hall from your car so don't bring too much that you can't carry it. They give you a sheet set to use as well as a pillow case so you don't need to bring anything unless you want to have your own. They have a computer lab you can use as well so don't worry about that. Oh! You'll definitely need to bring towels for after you shower. You don't need to bring anything super fancy or expensive; they'll give you a sheet of paper that has a copied newspaper clipping stating that some students that didn't lock their room or close windows got their money and electronics stolen. Although this happen one year, we don't want it to happen again and if your stuff is safer at home and you don't need it then it's OK to leave it there.If I think of anything else I'll post something else or edit this post.  Go Green & Have Fun! If you have anymore questions please ask!Jenn 

[smalltownspartan-blog]

6:15

and so my transfer AOP day begins :)

[smalltownspartan-blog]

[smalltownspartan-blog]

FIRST DAY OF AOP!!!!

so excited for all the incoming freshmen! GO GREEN!