Opportunities to Become Involved

Many of the best learning experiences happen outside the classroom through involvement in student government, clubs and volunteer experiences. These experiences can also contribute to a student’s professional development.

Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society of, about, and for educators. Invitation to membership is based on high academic achievement, a commitment to education as a career, and a professional attitude that assures steady growth in the profession. Undergraduate, Post Baccalaureate, and Graduate students with cumulative grade point averages of 3.5, 3.75 and 3.85 respectively, are invited to join. Monthly speakers and chapter service projects foster professional development among members.

FRIENDSHOP

Are you interested in working with kids? Friendshop is an activity-enrichment program for elementary-aged students in the greater East Lansing community that is run entirely by MSU students. Contact: friends@msu.edu for information.

Global Initiative Forum for Future Teachers (GIFT)

The Global Initiative Forum for Future Teachers (GIFT) is a forum established to help pre-service teachers and/or people who are interested in becoming global educators by creating a global community at Michigan State University where they can interact and share experiences through informal learning. GIFT is an opportunity for future educators to gain a global perspective in a diverse and changing world.

MSU Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE)

This CSLCE can provide information about volunteer opportunities appropriate for teacher preparation students. This is a great way to get experience with children and youth.

MSU Chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK)

Phi Epsilon Kappa is a national professional fraternity for Kinesiology students and professionals. The goals of the MSU chapter are to build relationships within the College of Education, improve the community through volunteer work, and prepare students for their chosen careers. Individuals are initiated by the current PEK E-Board and alumni each Fall Semester at a candlelit ceremony. Students who wish to join but miss the fall initiation are welcome to attend meetings but are not considered members. Membership requires a major in Kinesiology and a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Club

Meet PA students and practicing PAs, visit PA schools, learn how to make your graduate school application standout and more. Meetings are on alternate Mondays throughout the year. For more information, contact msuprepa@gmail.com or visit the website.

Pre-Physical Therapy Association (PPTA)

Network with other students interested in becoming PTs, meet practicing PTs, visit PT schools, build service and volunteer hours, and learn how to make your graduate school application standout. For more information, contact the Executive Board or President Kelly Lange at langekel@msu.edu.

Read to Succeed / MSU Student Literacy Corps

Contact: Pat Williams
420-1849 or 517-485-4949
Visit 347 Erickson Hall

Tutor at-risk children in reading through the Read to Succeed program.

East Lansing Public Schools
333-7335
Tutoring grades 9-12

Lansing Public Schools
319-5437
Tutoring K-12
After School volunteers K-12

Safe Schools

Safe Schools is a group of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff dedicated to making schools safe places for all students regardless of their sexual orientation. Schools can be terrifying places for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students and teachers. Schools have the legal responsibility to provide a safe learning environment, free of harassment, for all students. The SAFE SCHOOLS group holds seminars 2 or 3 times each semester that address these issues. For more information, contact the faculty advisor Trudy Sykes at sykes@msu.edu or visit the website.

Student Council For Exceptional Children (SCEC)

SCEC is a student chapter of the National Council for Exceptional Children. The group promotes awareness of exceptional children through discussion and service. For more information contact the faculty advisor, Lisa Plascencia (lisaplas@msu.edu) for information.

Student Michigan Education Association (SMEA)

SMEA is the student chapter of the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). It is a pre-professional organization that provides community service and professional development opportunities to education students. If you would like to learn more about the education field and get more experience working with children, SMEA is the organization for you! Contact smea@msu.edu or visit the SMEA website for more information.

Tomorrow's Educators for the Advancement of Multiculturalism (TEAM)

This student organization provides opportunities for students interested in teaching to promote diversity, both within and outside the classroom, through academic and civic engagement. Contact us at teammail@msu.edu for information.

Academics