Dean's Office

A Message During Homecoming — October 14, 2022

This message was sent by Dean Jerlando F. L. Jackson to College of Education faculty and staff and was shared on social media with alumni and students.

Dear College of Education colleagues, alumni, and friends,

I am inspired by the outpouring of attention and love for our institution and its future over the past few days. Many have shared concerns about MSU’s future or have posed questions about its current trajectory.  

Even as a relatively new Spartan, and even in the face of uncertainty, it is clear how much you care for this institution, the place you and I now call home. 

As we spend the next few days recognizing MSU’s Homecoming, I wanted to reflect on the notion of alma mater, which translates as “nourishing mother.” It is a Latin phrase referencing an educational institution one formerly attended. The phrase is attached to customs and traditions such as commencement ceremonies, celebratory songs, and the one we are embarking on now: Homecoming! 

In your academic home of the College of Education, I hope you found, and have come to expect, an uninterrupted tradition of high-quality education and scholarly output. This tradition does not come without obstacles or work. As with any organization, excellence is something to perpetually strive for, not a destination to reach. It is only together that we can build, sustain, and aim to always improve. 

Thus, I call upon us together—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—to recommit to making this a college you want to call home, and a place you want to continue to come home to, where you will find opportunities to learn, work, and visit. We should not only maintain a sense of stability and strength in what we have accomplished, but also be innovative in what we can change for the better. We intend to define meaningful steps in this direction with a forthcoming college-wide strategic plan and vision; more will be shared about this process in the coming months.  

You and your voice matter too. I also ask you to hold your college accountable, now and in the future:   

• Alumni, consider joining our Alumni Board, where your voice can help with goal setting and support the college’s mission. Faculty and staff, participate in a university or college committee, or share your input in college-wide surveys on areas we can improve upon. Students, speak with your advisors and professors on challenges you are facing to proactively create solutions.  
• Attend virtual or in person events to explore some of the amazing research happening here and ask questions about its implications.  
• Subscribe to our eNewsletter, and share your opinions on what you would like to hear more about.  
• Write to our leaders, sharing your insight. I add my own email to your list of resources:  dean.jackson@msu.edu.  
• Consider this your academic home—and consider coming back, often.  

I look forward to seeing you and purposefully, continually, improving the future.  

We are One College with One Mission.  

Sincerely,
Jerlando F. L. Jackson, Dean of the College of Education

Commitment During Unsettling Times – September 12, 2022

This message was sent by Dean Jerlando F. L. Jackson to faculty, staff and students in the College of Education community.

By now, many of you will have seen news reports that some members of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees have asked President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. to resign from his post by Tuesday [September 13]. I recognize this may conjure questions, concerns, and feelings of uncertainty.  

We do not have many facts available to us at this moment. Like you, I am closely watching the situation. I anticipate there will be a university announcement within the next day or so on this matter.  

Please know you can always reach out if you have any questions and be assured, I will share information with you when it is available.  

Here is what we know: The MSU Board of Trustees and President Stanley are engaged in contract negotiations. Since his arrival in 2019, President Stanley has been committed to the safety and well-being of the campus community, and this includes our collective efforts to improve the university’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct policies, issues, and culture. In addition, accountability is a component of Michigan State University’s values and culture.

In the College of Education, I also know the importance of transparency and commitment during challenging times. As ever, our college leadership is dedicated to creating and continually improving upon an environment that is inclusive, safe, welcoming, and stable for all.  

It was one of the many attributes that struck me most during my interview process—your connectedness, and your drive toward betterment. I feel it still today. I write to you now with a continued belief in our goal. Despite uncertainty—together, we will pursue a better world in education, health, and well-being.  

We are One College with One Mission. 

Signed,
Jerlando F. L. Jackson

Building Access & Parking – August 31, 2022

This message was sent by Facilities Manager Charlie Ruggiero to the College of Education community.

This Friday, September 2, is a home football game. Parking lot access and building access will be impacted by this game.

• Erickson Hall will lock at 3PM
• IM Circle will lock at 1PM

If you already have card access you are still able to enter the buildings after 3PM/1PM. If you need card access please let me or Tracy Abbott ABBOTTT@msu.edu know as soon as possible. Please do not hold or prop open doors for tailgaters.

The Erickson lot is a donor lot which means it will be open for tailgaters at 2:00 p.m.. If you leave work you will not be able to return to park in any nearby lot starting at 1PM.

Parking in front of IM Circle/Music will be unavailable for the entire day.

All faculty and staff with cars are encouraged to begin leaving campus by 1:00 p.m. Therefore, supervisors are being asked to determine the operational needs of their individual units and, where possible, use flexible schedules so that staff may leave campus by that time.

Additional information from MSU Police regarding Friday September 2:

The following parking lots will be closed beginning at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, through 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 2, at which point the appropriate event parking pass will be required:

• Lot 62 located on the north side of the IM Sports West and Spartan Stadium
• Lot 124 located on the north side of the IM Sports West and Spartan Stadium
• Lot 61 located on the west side of Spartan Stadium
• Lot 79 located on the south side of Spartan Stadium
• Select smaller parking spaces/areas

On September 2, all other lots will be available as signed until 1:00 p.m. At that time, MSU Department of Police and Public Safety parking staff will restrict entry into all parking lots. Employees who leave these lots during the noon hour should plan to return prior to 1:00 p.m. to ensure re-entry.

All donor lots reserved by the MSU Athletics Department will open at 2:00 p.m. All parking lots which are designated for general football parking will open at 3:00 p.m.

Welcome, Spartans! – August 30, 2022

Dean Jerlando F. L. Jackson shares a message of welcome for new and returning students to the College of Education:

Erickson Hall Renovations (First Floor Lobby) – July 26, 2022

This is an abstract of a message shared with the College of Education community, notifying them of modifications to Erickson Hall’s lobby.

The College is updating the student furniture and flooring in the main lobby of Erickson. As a part of this process, the Erickson upper lobby will be closed from 8/1-8/5. During this time the elevators and connected offices/classrooms will not be accessible unless spaces have an alternate door.

• Erickson main front doors will only allow access to stairwell.
• 134 (Student Affairs) will be working remotely.
• 133 (Copy center, TIEs, 133D/E) main doors will not be accessible.
• Both elevators will not be accessible.
• 133G will not be accessible.
• The elevators will be accessible by the second floor.

If you are unable to use the stairs but would like to still work in person please contact Charlie Ruggiero (ruggier3@msu.edu) about reserving an alternative first floor space.

Supervisors should allow Increased flexibility for employees and students to work fully remotely during this period (8/1-8/5). Changes to agreed upon work arrangements would occur for this period only – employees should return to their previously agreed-upon schedule beginning 8/6 unless additional guidance is provided.

If possible, plan to host meetings online during this period. If in-person meetings must occur, consider alternative buildings during this period. Meeting rooms on the first floor of Erickson may be used if a reservation is available (except 133G), but be sure attendees are aware that they will need to enter from another door as the lobby doors will NOT be available during this period. 

Charlie Ruggiero
Facilities and Classroom Manager

Announcement of Sr. Communications Director – June 2, 2022

This message was shared with the College of Education community, announcing a new promotion to the college’s administrators team.

Dear Members of the College Community:

I am very pleased to announce that I have appointed Ms. Lauren Knapp as Senior Communications Director for the College of Education. In this role, Lauren will lead our Communications Department, which has the very important responsibility to highlight the mission, priorities, and work of the College, using a variety of media, with both internal and external audiences. 

Lauren is well-known and highly respected within the College of Education community and across the university. She is knowledgeable, passionate, and collaborative in her approach to communication efforts and initiatives. Those who have worked with her commend her ability to capture the essence of the work of the College as well as to think strategically about new opportunities to represent the goals and work of the College going forward. She is known for her enthusiasm for the College of Education and its faculty, staff, and students, her conscientious approach to understanding the array of activities and work carried out in the College, and her ability to connect well with others.

Lauren graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Arts & Letters in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in professional writing. As part of her education, she also studied abroad in Ireland and worked at two publishing companies (New Island and Little Island Books).  She has nearly a decade of experience in higher education and communications, with previous roles at Adrian College, Neogen Corporation and Michipreneur before joining the MSU College of Education in 2014. Other career highlights include working at the MSU Writing Center and the State News, as well as serving on the editorial team for the Fourth Genre: Explorations in Nonfiction journal.

As I appoint Lauren Knapp to this important position, I also want to thank Bryan Beverly, who chaired the search committee, as well as the colleagues who worked with him. This is a very important position to fill, and their dedication and thoughtful work were very important contributions to the College.

I hope you will join me in congratulating Lauren as she supports the College of Education by representing its work. She will be filling out her team in the coming months. I know Lauren will build on the past successes of our Communications Department and move us forward in effective and creative ways.

With best wishes,
Interim Dean Ann E. Austin

A Message in a Time of Grief – May 25, 2022

This message was shared with the College of Education community following recent events at an elementary school in Uvalde, TX.

Dear Members and Friends of the MSU College of Education Community,

I write with deep sorrow about the terrible shooting in the Uvalde, Texas elementary school. To be honest, I am not even sure what words to use or what message to give. I do know, as a mom and as an educator, I am filled with immense, overwhelming grief at the terrible news we have learned about the horror of mass shooting that has occurred, again, in our country. I want to think of a school as a place where children are protected, guided, and cared for, and educators and others can do their work in a context of safety—just as I want to think of a grocery store, mall, sidewalk, or place of worship as locations where children and adults should be able to engage safely and peacefully in the normal activities of life. It is impossible to grasp the grief of the families who have lost loved ones this week in the Texas situation, or recently in Oxford, MI, as well as in Buffalo, NY, and elsewhere.

The immensity of the problem confronting our society in the form of devastating violence challenges my ability to offer comfort or encouragement. I do believe we want and deserve a country where respect, care, and kindness define who we are and what characterizes our experiences; where each person, of any identity, background, and age, can feel safe; and where individuals struggling with mental health challenges can receive the care they need. Yet the path toward this goal seems especially rugged right now. I ask, though, that we as educators each commit to making our actions, our time, and our values count in creating the kind of society we cherish and envision. There are many paths forward, and I urge us each to consider how we will make a difference in a world that truly needs our commitment, courage, leadership, and action. 

I also recognize that processing and finding ways to move forward in the wake of great tragedy can be very difficult. If you are struggling, please be aware of the following resources that can support and assist you: 

• MSU students should feel very welcome to contact MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services, which is called CAPS (visit https://caps.msu.edu/ or call the crisis line at 517-355-8270, and press “1” when prompted to speak with a crisis counselor). 
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counseling service provided at no cost to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate assistants, and their families (visit https://eap.msu.edu/services or call 517-355-4506).
• If you are working in or supporting a K-12 school community, it’s important to remember that students, teachers, and administrators should always report concerns or threats to student safety. Michigan offers the anonymous OK2SAY website for this purpose: michigan.gov/ok2say. 
• There are resources available from the National Association of School Psychologists to help educators, parents, and other adults who are unsure how to talk with children about tragic events.

Let’s also be especially attentive to supporting each other as we continue our work and redouble our individual and collective efforts for creating a better world—where the work we do will demonstrate our commitment to respect, equity, and care for all. 

Sincerely,

Interim Dean Ann E. Austin

AERA Reception Welcome Message – Apr. 23, 2022

This message was written to be shared with attendees at the MSU College of Education reception during the 2022 American Educational Research Association annual conference. Learn more and RSVP to join the reception from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.

Welcome and thank you for joining us this year in San Diego, California for our Michigan State University College of Education reception. We are so happy to be back in person for the first time since 2019. While much has changed, and continues to change, in the world since that time—our commitment to educational research, teaching and leadership remains the same. Presentations that you are hearing at AERA, including those from colleagues at other institutions, are making important contributions toward research, policy, and practice in education as well as the preparation of the next generation of educational leaders. 

This year at AERA, we have much to celebrate. 

• MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., recently recommended Jerlando F. L. Jackson to be the next dean of our College of Education, effective July 1, 2022! Jackson will also hold the title of MSU Foundation Professor of Education. Learn more about Dr. Jackson, and please be sure to say hello as he attends our reception as our honored guest. 
• University Distinguished Professor William Schmidt is being recognized with AERA’s 2022 Distinguished Contributions to Research in Education Award. This is the premier award for outstanding achievement and success in education research. 
• Several more amongst our faculty, students and alumni are being honored for their contributions to their respective fields. Here are some of their accolades.

Thank you, all, for your continued support of the MSU College of Education, and for your continued commitment to enhance research, teaching and learning that will improve education for all. 

Sincerely, 

Ann E. Austin
Interim Dean of the College of Education

Letter of Support Regarding Current International Events – Feb. 25, 2022

This message, written by Interim Dean Ann E. Austin and Associate Dean Lynn Paine, was sent to college faculty, staff and graduate students.

Dear College of Education Community,

We are writing to be sure you have noticed the message from President Stanley, sent this morning. We would also like to send our thoughts to our College community of students, staff, and faculty. The events unfolding in Ukraine bring us great concern and sadness as we think of the many lives affected, both those directly facing personal peril and those who are deeply worried about friends, family, and colleagues in the region. World-wide events are really not far from our own lives here in East Lansing, either through personal connections or our recognition of our responsibilities to each other as fellow humans. The crisis unfolding today in Ukraine also reminds us that there are other places in the world that have been and are experiencing great challenge too.

As President Stanley has reminded us, it is important that we remember that individuals and the governments of their countries are not synonymous. We will each want to reach out to every member of our community with kindness, care, and compassion. 

Also, please note the university resources that are highlighted in the President’s letter, including the Counseling and Psychiatric Services and the Employee Assistance Program. Please know that these resources are available and ready to provide support. 

Within our College of Education, we are especially committed to developing a deep understanding and appreciation for diverse human experiences. We know that respect, compassion, and care for others are essential ingredients in the world we envision and seek to nurture. In the midst of this difficult time, and as we also recognize other troubling situations across the globe, let’s re-commit to these values in our daily work together.

With support and care,

Ann Austin, Interim Dean
Lynn Paine, Associate Dean for International Studies in Education

Open letter to Michigan educators after the Oxford shooting – Dec. 8, 2021

When we heard about the tragic shooting at Oxford High School, we, like so many people across the state and nation, began stumbling through our shock and sorrow to find some steps forward to help in the process of responding, and eventually healing, from this trauma. We sent a message to our community, which includes faculty, staff, and many aspiring as well as career educators who are students in the Michigan State University College of Education. Some of our students and Spartan alumni are among those who work in the Oxford schools. We extend our deep sympathies for the inconceivable suffering and loss of young lives they are experiencing. As fellow educators, our hearts are low in solidarity with all the teachers, school leaders, counselors and countless other employees of Michigan’s K-12 schools. Your jobs are never easy, but at this moment, you need each other, institutions like ours, and every person across this state to wrap their arms around you and the young learners in your classrooms.

What happened in Oxford is heartbreakingly close to all educators, and may bring up fears related to your own communities and contexts. Since everyone reacts differently to traumatic events, there is no single strategy for moving forward. Reaching out to others, maintaining stable eating, sleeping, and exercise routines, and focusing on self-care are important strategies for those struggling with sadness, grief, numbness, or unexpected emotions. Advocating for changes you think are necessary is another strategy that some will want to consider.

As educators, your voices are powerful. Possible action steps include speaking up as advocates for safer environments in schools, supporting strong threat assessment strategies and crisis response plans, working with relevant advocacy groups (Sandy Hook Promise, Everytown for Gun Safety), and sharing policy ideas with state legislators (find your state representative or senator). 

As you take steps forward in the face of such trauma, we encourage you to draw on resources provided by your school and district leadership as well as national organizations such as the National Association of School Psychologists and the American School Counselor Association. We also urge you to rely on your network of trusted colleagues, friends, and parents within your own community. You are the ones who know what your schools and your students need most. Some of our faculty in the MSU College of Education have conducted research on related topics that may also be helpful to you. This work includes insights on teaching on the days after major or traumatic events and studies about keeping schools safe from school violence. 

Here in the MSU College of Education, we are drawing on our research and teaching experiences to identify action steps we can take to help create the safest learning environments possible. The prospect of school violence, though rare, raises important questions about how we as a College of Education prepare and support our students as they go into schools. We are committed to preparing our students as fully as possible for their work as educators, and, in this spirit, we are reviewing how topics such as safety and mental health are addressed in courses in our Teacher Preparation Program and in our graduate programs for practitioners in educational administration. We also welcome opportunities to partner more substantially with school districts and law enforcement agencies that shoulder the bulk of responsibility for training staff and safeguarding learning environments. 

Every day and every moment, Michigan educators are dedicated to promoting the learning and well-being of our young people. With great respect, appreciation, and admiration for your work, we will continue to explore how we can collaborate to ensure the safe, welcoming schools you deserve, and we welcome your input and ideas. You can contact us at k12out@msu.edu.

Interim Dean Ann E. Austin
Michigan State University College of Education

Recent events at Oxford, MI high school – Dec. 1, 2021

This message was shared with the College of Education community following recent events at a high school in Oxford, MI.

Dear College of Education students, staff and faculty: 

We can’t possibly convey the full extent of our shock and sorrow upon learning about the tragic shooting that occurred yesterday at Oxford High School. As humans, our hearts are pulled toward the families and the entire community suffering from this trauma and loss of young lives. As educators, we stand in support of all our colleagues in Oxford, including some of our own current students and Spartan alumni. We wish to embrace all of you, the students and employees who make up the College of Education community, as we process this tragedy.

With this act of school violence happening so close to our campus and our homes, we are actively discussing resources needed within our community. We are also harnessing the expertise of our faculty and identifying action steps we can take to help future and current educators create the safest learning environments possible. 

Key resources

First of all, if you are experiencing distress, we encourage you to seek counseling support from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (for faculty/staff) or Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) (for students). You can also contact your advisor, program director or supervisor if you’re not sure where to start or have specific questions. 

If you are working in or supporting a K-12 school community, it’s important to remember that students, teachers, and administrators should always report concerns or threats to student safety. Michigan offers the anonymous OK2SAY website for this purpose: michigan.gov/ok2say. 

In addition, there are resources available from the National Association of School Psychologists to help educators, parents, and other adults who are unsure how to talk to children about tragic events. Some of the key steps are to: 

• assure kids they are safe, 
• make enough time to talk,
• keep explanations developmentally appropriate,
• review safety procedures,
• observe individuals’ emotional states, and 
• maintain normal routines.

We are fortunate to have faculty with expertise in the areas of school psychology who can provide further resources and have studied the issue of school violence. You can find more information from Professor John Carlson’s research group here.  

Sharing responsibility

The prospect of school violence, though rare, raises important questions about how we as a College of Education prepare and support our students as they go into schools. We are reviewing how these and related topics are addressed in our courses, such as in the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program and in our graduate programs for practitioners in educational administration, to see how these might be addressed in a meaningful way. We also will be looking for opportunities to partner more substantially with school districts and law enforcement agencies that shoulder the bulk of responsibility for training staff and safeguarding learning environments. 

As a university with deep connections to K-12 schools and a commitment to the communities of which they are a part, we have been attuned to both new and continuing challenges that have emerged for students and educators alike amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. This tragedy makes it ever more clear that we must support and uplift one another, support learners of all ages and backgrounds, and stay committed to serving the needs of students, families, and schools. It’s a commitment built on MSU’s land-grant mission, and the future depends on it. 

Sincerely,

Ann E. Austin, Interim Dean
Kristine Bowman, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
Terah Venzant Chambers, Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion
Lynn Paine, Associate Dean for International Studies
Dorinda Carter Andrews, Teacher Education Department Chairperson
Karin Pfeiffer, Kinesiology Department Chairperson
Cary Roseth, Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education Department Chairperson
Sheneka Williams, Educational Administration Department Chairperson
Gail Richmond, Director of Teacher Preparation Programs
Kristin Rispoli, Director of School Psychology Programs
Melissa Usiak, Co-Coordinator of the Educational Leadership EdD Program

Welcome & First Day of School – Sept. 1, 2021

This message was shared with the College of Education community on the first day of fall semester 2021 at Michigan State University.

I’ve always found the start of the school year to be a wonderful new beginning. From the time I walked to a very small rural village school for my early years in elementary education to the opening days of graduate school and throughout my years as a faculty member, I have always felt excited by the promise of new learning, meeting interesting people, and exploring fresh ideas and possibilities. Over the past several days, I have seen that same anticipation for learning and new experiences among the students, faculty, and staff greeting each other, settling in, and participating in orientations in our college buildings. For so many of us, after the past year and a half working remotely, the opportunity to be on campus and to interact directly with others is energizing and refreshing, even if a bit daunting.

At the same time, as we’ve acknowledged in our college meetings, this is not a usual fall opening. We must handle many uncertainties, and we must stay keenly aware of health and safety guidelines. Along with excitement and promise, most of us are continuing to manage the demands, anxieties, and challenges accompanying the pandemic. The field of education is changing, the nature of the workplace is shifting, and the imperative to address social inequities must be heeded. This is, in fact, quite a unique moment in history. As educators, and as members of a college dedicated to the preparation of educators whose reach will go decades into the future, we have a great responsibility as we engage with our work. 

In this context, the open door of a new academic year compels us to move forward with energy, imagination, and focus. We are so fortunate, as faculty and staff in the College of Education, to have the responsibility to nurture the intellectual and professional growth of our students, who are preparing to make their own contributions as educators. We have the opportunity as individuals and as a community to advance knowledge through our research that contributes to more effective education, greater well-being for individuals and communities, and a more equitable society. As stated in one of my favorite university mottos, we “advance knowledge and transform lives.” In this unique and challenging historical moment, we as individuals and collectively as the faculty and staff of the college have the distinct opportunity to truly “make a difference.”  https://youtu.be/7VPn0uN5f3o

Thus, whatever your role in the college may be—teacher, researcher, advisor, support staff colleague, technology expert, administrator, or some other responsibility—your presence is essential to our community as we move forward into this promising new academic year. In this unusual time, our efforts in teaching, research, and outreach are critically important to those we serve. We each have the responsibility and the agency to shape the direction and impact of this new year.

So I wish you a great “first day of school”! As we start the new semester, I hope you will enjoy welcoming our new and returning students, reconnecting with colleagues and friends, and thanking others whose efforts facilitate our collective commitment to teaching, research, and outreach! Remember the guidelines for safety that the university has provided (MSU’s TogetherWeWill website). Take the time to talk with colleagues about strategies and lessons learned in teaching and working in the era of Covid. But most of all, remember that we are each here, in our specific roles, because we know that high-quality education makes a difference in individual lives and communities. I hope we each embark on this new academic year with renewed commitment to the work we have chosen and to our commitment as a College to creating a society of greater opportunity, justice, equity, care, and kindness. 

Thank you for all you are doing for our students, our college, and our university! Happy First Day of the Semester!

Ann E. Austin
University Distinguished Professor
Interim Dean, College of Education

Statement: Anniversary of Death of George Floyd – May 25, 2021

This message was shared with the College of Education community on the anniversary of the death of George Floyd. In our New Educator magazine, learn about some of the ways the College of Education is continuing its commitment for diversity, equity and inclusion through programs, initiatives and more.

The anniversary of the death of George Floyd reminds us all of the great need to recognize the oppression of Black people that is woven throughout the history of our country, and to commit ourselves daily to creating a better future of equity and respect. As a College of Education, we are committed to advancing our understanding of social justice and equity and our responsibility to enact that understanding in our research, teaching, outreach, and leadership. We have much to learn and much to give in this work. As we look toward the coming year, I hope all of us within our College community will continue to collaborate in naming and challenging inequity and discrimination—and in using our work as educators as a powerful tool for change.

Robert E. Floden
University Distinguished Professor
Dean

Ann Austin
University Distinguished Professor
Associate Dean for Research

Terah Venzant Chambers
Professor
Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion

Farewell from the Dean (New Educator 2020-2021 Message) – May 14, 2021

This message was written as part of the 2020-2021 New Educator magazine.

What a year it has been. When we last published this magazine, the U.S. was only a few months into the throes of change caused by the novel coronavirus. Since then, universities, schools and communities have faced countless challenges to keep people working, learning and, most of all, safe and healthy in the contexts of a global pandemic. Sadly, the events of 2020 and early 2021 have also continued to illuminate the tragic consequences of racism and deep divisions persisting in our nation. 

As a college of education, we have an important role to play in promoting equity and justice. And as part of a land-grant university, we never lose sight of sharing knowledge where it can help meet the greatest needs. We saw many examples of these commitments in the past year. I am incredibly proud of how our students, faculty and staff continue to respond to the challenges of these extraordinary times. They are working and taking classes virtually, shouldering the burdens of childcare, stress and loss—and still teaching, researching and serving others. You will see many of these throughout the New Educator. I also encourage you to visit our freshly designed website, where new stories are added regularly.

A time for change

As you may have heard, these are the final months of my time as dean. I decided that I will step down from the position after five and a half years as dean (plus two earlier stints as acting dean and interim dean) on June 30, 2021. I will remain on the faculty for a final year and look forward to officially retiring at the end of June 2022. At that time, I will have enjoyed 45 years as part of our college, working with an unparalleled group of faculty, staff and students committed to transforming education. I hope to celebrate and reflect on this shared history with many of you at that time.

Until then, we still have much work to do. Our college is currently engaged in a process of reflection and planning. This process will help us take stock of our strengths and greatest priorities as the college envisions its future. I also expect it will put us in a good position to begin making the transition to a new leader (see next page for more details on the dean’s search). 

A legacy to be proud of

As you read the accounts across this magazine, I hope you will agree that COVID-19 has done little to diminish the Spartan spirit of innovation and serving the common good. From developing free resources for remote teaching and studying the statewide response of school districts, to serving on the front lines in health care and finding answers for young people with autism, we have been making a difference. After a year unlike any other, I have been honored to serve as dean and to share in what has been a legacy of success for the duration of my career. I’m proud of the many accomplishments that have been made by our faculty, staff, students and all of you, our alumni and friends around the world. It has been my privilege.

A time for reflection, commitment to action – Apr. 20, 2021

This message was jointly sent to the College of Education community by Ann Austin, University Distinguished Professor and incoming interim dean of the MSU College of Education; Terah Venzant Chambers, professor and associate dean for equity and inclusion; and Robert E. Floden, University Distinguished Professor and dean.

Earlier this evening, we heard the verdict of Derek Chauvin’s trial. As President Stanley and Provost Woodruff said in their messages this evening, this is a time for reflection and commitment to action in support of our values of standing for justice and equity. It is also a time to recognize that this event, and other instances of racial injustice and pandemic challenges, deeply affect each member of our college and university community. We need to reach out and care for each other, finding ways to renew our commitments to our community and to advance the work that lies before us as educators. 

In [a message sent earlier in the day on Apr. 20, 2021 and below], we [include] information about resources for students, staff and faculty. The president’s and provost’s messages also include resources. Please share these with our students and with others who could use this information. And please take care of yourselves. We are nearing the end of a difficult year. As we finish the semester, let us help each other with compassion and kindness. Please know that we want to support you and each member of our community.

Resources to support students and employees

As we navigate multiple, overlapping challenges, attending to our emergent mental health needs is critical. There are a number of resources available for us to take advantage of, and we encourage you to do so.

Students: CAPS is holding listening spaces for students, to process their feelings, thoughts and reactions related to the death of George Floyd, the trial, and if applicable, the verdict.

Employees: As always, the Employee Assistance Program provides free counseling sessions for faculty and staff. 

Resources to support continued action

There are a number of resources that you can draw from to continue your own education and facilitate conversation in your classes and other spaces. Here are a few (with appreciation to Drs. Jane C. Lo and Alyssa Hadley Dunn for helping to compile these):

• (VIDEO) Assistant Professor Jane C. Lo discusses why, and how, teachers should talk about major events, such as the Chauvin trial verdict, in the classroom. Watch now.
• Black Lives Matter This Week and Always (Learning for Justice)
• Resources For The BIPOC Community During The Chauvin Trial (Minnesota’s National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Recommendations and Resources for Supporting Students Before, During and After the Chauvin Trial (University of Minnesota)
• Teaching about race, racism, and police violence (Learning for Justice) 
• Schools Should Be Talking To Students About Black Lives Matter, Police Violence, and Racism. The Problem? Teachers Have Not Been Prepared to Meet This Moment (Shayla Griffin, Medium)
• LiberatED (Dena Simmons, Instagram)
• Trial Processing Toolkit (Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis) 
• A framework that supports student choice during online learning/discussions (Jane Martin, Twitter)
• 5 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare to Address the Chauvin Trial in Your Classroom (EdAllies Minnesota)
• Curated list of resources to support youth and communities in the wake of the trial/verdict (Google Doc)
• Many of the above resources were also shared on Dr. Hadley Dunn’s Facebook page, Teaching on Days After: Dialogue & Resources for Educating Toward Justice. You may want to consider joining this group directly (shared with permission).

Ann Austin
University Distinguished Professor
Associate Dean for Research

Terah Venzant Chambers
Professor
Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion

Robert E. Floden
University Distinguished Professor
Dean

Supporting the Asian, Asian Pacific Islander Desi community – Mar. 22, 2021

This message was written by Lynn Paine, professor and associate dean for international studies, and sent to the College of Education community.

This has been a very heavy week, after what have already been demanding, stressful and uncertain months. I know many among us feel, as I do, outraged and saddened by the Atlanta murders this week as the most recent and vivid example of the rise of attacks in the US directed at Asians and Asian Americans. These xenophobic, racist and Othering acts are antithetical to the goals of a university, of MSU, and our College of Education. For those in our community who identify as Asian or as Asian Pacific Islander Desi descent, our Office of International Studies and I stand with you. For others in our community, I hope you will join me in reaching out to our colleagues—faculty, staff, visiting scholars and students—to see how each of us can be supportive at this fraught time and going forward.

The violence against Asians and Asian-Americans certainly is not new. It is also part of the larger racist history of white supremacy in this country. I am heartened by the swift responses by many to these recent attacks in Atlanta, and appreciate that anti-Asian discrimination, which has long been “invisible,” is now getting attention. We need to bear in mind the larger patterns of othering and hatred and seek to increase intersectional understanding and collaborative action.

From my perch in the Office of International Studies, I’m also aware that the news of anti-Asian violence affects some of our community in additional ways. This “U.S. story” comes on top of what is already an anxious time for many of us directly impacted by news outside the U.S.—whether of heightened tensions between the U.S. and one’s home country, humanitarian crises at the southern U.S. border or in other countries where U.S. policy is implicated, COVID and global inequities in vaccine availability and distribution, or more.

As a college of education community, this moment calls each of us to continue our own learning about racism, the history of the Asian-American experience and global white supremacy. I hope you will support your students as well in seeing the need to be aware, understand and act to support justice. There are many terrific resources available at MSU and elsewhere to help you in your own learning and in support of your students’ learning.  As a note from MSU’s Office of WorkLife reminded us, “learning more about our Asian communities is one way Spartans can concretely enhance our support. Explore resources, learning and participation opportunities through the Asian Studies Center; connect with Asian Pacific American Studies program or the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty Staff Association (APIDA/AFSA), the Office of China Programs and Get Engaged to understand and more deeply appreciate members of our Asian communities. Show your interest and solidarity by connecting, and speak up against racial violence.” In addition, OISE is gathering materials to share with those who want to think about how to learn more, act in solidarity and teach others about anti-Asian and anti-Asian American discrimination, violence and oppression, as well as global white supremacy/racism. I encourage you to share with us resources you are finding helpful. Please send your recommendations to Christine Caster: caster@msu.edu

While this has been a hard winter, and this week a painful one, this weekend marked the beginning of spring. The UN declared today (Mar. 22) International Nowruz Day, with the Secretary General saying that recognizing Nowruz Day in the midst of the pandemic “serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature.” As we speak out against the virus of racism, I hope that this marker of spring can signal new and brighter possibilities for all of us.

Lynn Paine
Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Associate Dean, International Studies in Education

Combatting racism & discrimination – Mar. 18, 2021

This message was written by Dean Robert E. Floden and sent to the College of Education community.

The past year has brought increased attention to the pervasive problems of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and gender identity. The tragic shootings in Atlanta turned a spotlight on discrimination against Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA) and Asian individuals and communities, in the most violent and extreme form.

Such discrimination has a long history in this country, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Japanese internment in the Second World War, and recent political policies and characterizations, including association of COVID with China. 

As I have said before, our college can play an important role in working to make evidence of discrimination visible, to develop and study interventions to combat discrimination, and to prepare teachers, administrators, and other practitioners who will be effective in changing minds and behaviors to reduce discrimination in all settings.

Like our president and provost, I urge everyone in our college community to combat racism and discrimination in all its forms. We will, I fear, continue to read news accounts that remind us of the prevalence of discrimination.  These accounts will be discouraging. I hope that they will also increase the strength of your motivation to address these problems.

Robert E. Floden
Dean & University Distinguished Professor
Michigan State University College of Education

A Message from HALE about Anti-Asian Violence – Mar. 18, 2021

This message was written by faculty and staff from the Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education program.

As we know, the effects of COVID-19 have been disparate. In addition to the tragic loss of life, higher rates of infection, and loss of livelihood amongst Communities of Color, we have witnessed rising anti-Asian sentiment and violence. 

The unconscionable murder of eight people, including six Asian and Asian-American women in Atlanta is a horrible crime preceded by a long history of anti-Asian racism in the United States. In recent weeks, many people, particularly elders, youths, and women within the Asian community, have suffered violent and senseless attacks. The HALE faculty extends our solidarity and support to all Asian and Asian American community members. Furthermore, we affirm the belonging of Asian people within the HALE community, the wider university community, and within the United States.

We stand with the Asian community and as we contemplate what a return to “normal” might mean, we commit to being vigilant in our support of one another and ensuring the safety of everyone in our community in class, at work, and on campus.

In President Stanley’s email message to the MSU Community, he noted the resources available to help connect with and provide support for members of the APIDA and Asian communities. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed hate or bias incidents, please note the places to report and supportive resources below.

Places to report

• Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
• MSU Misconduct Hotline
• University Ombudsperson

Supportive resources

• Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS, for students)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP, for faculty and staff)

For those interested in learning more about the APIDA and Asian communities at MSU

• Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO)—view their statement
• Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian Faculty Staff and Administrators (APIDA/AFSA) Leadership Team
• Asian Pacific American Studies

Happy Lunar New Year – Feb. 11, 2021

This message was written by Lynn Paine, professor and associate dean of international studies, in honor of the Lunar New Year.

On such a cold day in East Lansing, I want to send my warmest greetings to all in our community who are celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year. For those who are far from family, I hope that you can find cheer in creating new ways to enjoy special traditions. For those who, due to pandemic restrictions, are experiencing what one colleague called the “jet-lagged” life of simultaneously participating in daily MSU classes while living/working time zones away,  I hope that you find some enjoyment while/in navigating the challenge of balancing MSU work-life and the holiday festivities around you. To alums and friends of our college who are celebrating, this holiday is a great way to remember the meaningful ties that connect us. And finally, for all of us, I hope that this new year offers one more chance for us to take stock, clean house (figuratively or literally) and move towards a brighter future.

Many of our MSU community have already been busy today celebrating new year’s eve (as it arrived in Asia), and many more here in North America are just beginning. As a sampling of posts (see below) suggests, how communities are marking this year’s Lunar New Year (known in different communities as Tet, Chunjie, Imlek, Seollal, Spring Festival, among other names) is profoundly influenced by COVID-19, economic challenges, and tense geopolitical issues. Nonetheless, the hope for new beginnings, the importance of family and friends, and the power of traditions (including cooking special dishes) remain.

• CNN: Lunar New Year 2021: Ushering in the Year of the Ox (Feb. 12)
• New York Times: Tet Is Full of Traditions, but You Can Have It Your Way (Jan. 29)
• New York Times: To Avoid an Outbreak, China Cancels Lunar New Year for Millions of Migrants (Feb. 5)
• South China Morning Post: Lunar New Year (topic page)
• China Daily: Essential foods for Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb. 8)
• China Daily: Xi, Biden talk on eve of holiday (Feb. 11)
• The Guardian: New York fashion week 2021 eclipsed by lunar new year in China (Feb. 5)
• Straits Times: ‘Very inconvenient’: Chinese migrants torn over staying put for Chinese New Year (Feb. 11)
• Straits Times: Family reunites for Chinese New Year after a year apart (Feb. 12)
• Taiwan News: Top 10 Taiwanese Lunar New Year traditions (Feb. 6)
• Korea Times: Lunar new year 2021 [PHOTOS] (Feb. 11)
• Korea Herald: New virus cases at 15-day high as extended Lunar New Year holiday kicks off (Feb. 11)
• Jakarta Post: Welcoming the Year of the Ox (Feb. 11)
• Hanoi Times: Hanoi: Fireworks to celebrate Lunar New Year’s Eve 2021 is canceled (Feb. 4)
• Washington Post: U.S. ambassador to Vietnam releases rap video for Lunar New Year (Feb. 9)

This year, according the Chinese zodiac, is the year of the Ox. The Ox often is described in terms of strength, diligence, patience, reliability, and fairness. The zodiac of the Ox can also represent movement forward. At the conclusion of such a challenging year, I hope that we all can take on some of the proverbial strength associated with this new year and work for positive change.

Happy new year!

Lynn Paine
Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Associate Dean, International Studies in Education

Promoting civic & democratic engagement – Jan. 7, 2021

This message was written by Robert E. Floden, Dean & University Distinguished Professor, following riots at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.

I was appalled by the mob violence yesterday, attempting to disrupt the certification of our presidential election. At least Congress returned to the building to complete their work of final certification of the election of Biden and Harris. 

But the events of the day were a stark reminder that our nation is deeply divided, often without a commitment to address differences through civil discourse and democratic processes. Those processes may include civil disobedience and protest marches, such as those following the death of George Floyd. But the processes should never include the violence we saw yesterday, aimed at disrupting democracy, rather than finding ways to live together.

As a college of education, we have an important role to play in promoting civic and democratic engagement, both in our country and globally. Some of us work explicitly on preparing educators skilled at helping students, colleagues, and community members learn to democratically make decisions about how we live together. In addition, we all have a part to play in drawing on research and the wisdom of practice to address the social and systemic problems that create strife, including growing inequalities in education, health, and income. 

Like many others, I was hoping that 2021 would be a much better year. Yesterday made the problems we face brutally clear. I’m glad to be working in a college of education, where our work can contribute to solutions.

Robert E. Floden
Dean & University Distinguished Professor
Michigan State University College of Education

Working together toward equity and inclusion – November 2020

This message was co-written by Robert E. Floden, Dean & University Distinguished Professor, and Terah Venzant Chambers, Professor and Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion.

As dean of the Michigan State University College of Education, Robert E. Floden recently joined fellow education deans across the Big Ten by appearing in a video about our collective commitment to create more equitable and just learning environments for all people.  https://youtu.be/79QDZ-qcyVw View some of Dean Robert Floden’s messages from the Big Ten education deans video project.

As you hear in the videos, including a shorter and longer version, colleges of education have a unique opportunity to be transformational leaders. Like our colleagues across the Big Ten, we in the MSU College of Education see diversity, equity, inclusion and justice as central components of our mission—it is not only what we say, but who we are and what we do. The events of 2020 have only served to reignite these commitments, and the programs and initiatives that we have focused on reflect these realities.

Here are some examples of those efforts led by Terah Venzant Chambers, who was appointed as associate dean for equity and inclusion in May, and other faculty, staff and students across our college.

• Hosted a forum with a panel of four College of Education faculty members titled, “Rising to Our Responsibility: A Forum for School Leaders to Address Racial Violence and Anti-Blackness in Michigan Schools.” The event was developed in recognition of pervasive and ongoing violence against Black Americans, including recent attacks. It was attended live by more than 800 people, many of whom are K-12 educators in Michigan that can help lead the charge against racism in their schools.
• Cultivated an intentional virtual space for Black staff, faculty and students to process together the effects of anti-Black racism. Concurrently, non-Black staff, faculty and students engaged in learning and action around these issues. These groups are expecting to continue to reflect and engage with one another to foster understanding and seek change.
• Mobilized a caretaking taskforce when early surveys of our college community showed that the overwhelming stressor was related to caregiving. After surveying and hosting listening sessions with staff, students and faculty, the taskforce released a recommendation document focused on how we could support each other during this time, as well as suggestions for how we could lessen the burden.
• Anticipated impacts on pre-tenure faculty who experienced interruptions to their work as a result of COVID-19 and created a diverse committee to reevaluate the process and provide needed resources, support and guidance.
• Partnered with teachers, administrators and other educators across campus as well as around the state of Michigan to support the move to online teaching. The college continues to develop resources and professional learning opportunities that help ensure more students, from K-16, can continue learning in digital spaces.

As the dean and an associate dean, we feel called to work with the faculty, staff and students, many of whom have great expertise in this area, to find ways to dismantle racial inequality. And we must do so through each of our core missions: teaching, research and outreach.

All of us in the Big Ten have ideas about what we can do to help prepare teachers and administrators who will address racial inequality in their work. We have some promising ideas, but we really need to take some of those ideas and study systematically the effects we are having so we can see which ideas are not just promising but also effective.

One of our faculty members, Terry Flennaugh, is currently leading one such project focused on finding ways to prepare teachers who will enact racial justice. This work, funded by the Hewlett Foundation, includes implementing changes in our own Teacher Preparation Program and collaborating with colleagues from two other institutions. Our Ed.D. program to prepare school system leaders has a current focus on urban education and is being offered at the MSU Detroit Center.

Striving to achieve the goals of diversity, equity and inclusion means responding to the current needs of our community, but also never stopping. We must continue to anticipate and ask how our actions as individuals and as an institution may be hurting those who are marginalized based on their identity. With continued reflection, a desire to hold ourselves accountable and most importantly, a commitment to take action, we are confident that we can make a difference.   

Robert E. Floden, Dean & University Distinguished Professor, and Terah Venzant Chambers, Professor and Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion

Welcome from the Office of International Studies in Education – September 17, 2020

This content below was taken from a letter sent to students, faculty and staff at the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester.

I hope your new term is well launched. Certainly, nothing feels routine about this year. Each week presents its own set of new questions, challenges and learning opportunities. Our world—aflame in fires, hurricanes, virus, economic distress and injustice—is not separate from our work here. (The recent daily news of virus spread and quarantine orders in our community are only one reminder of this.) These combined crises add to the burden each of us is shouldering in our lives and work. Thanks for the resourcefulness, creativity and commitment you are demonstrating as we move into our new year. However this term has begun for you, I hope you are healthy and finding some joy in your work.

Rethink teaching in ways that are more globally inclusive

Did you know our College has 187 “international” undergrad and grad students enrolled this term, from 29 different countries? We also have a good number of US students who identify global, international, or comparative education as a focus; many of these students bring extensive prior work experience outside the US and/or hope to work in this field.  While schools and colleges of education historically have served local and national needs, often preparing teachers for local communities, that no longer reflects the work of education, the production of educational knowledge, or the labor market for those in education, health and wellbeing. It certainly doesn’t reflect our goals as a college.

Thank you to the many who have already adjusted your courses to accommodate time zone differences of students in far flung locations. However, we need to go beyond “accommodation” approaches. COVID creates a window of creativity for us to rethink how we teach—recognizing that time, first language, experiences with learning environments, traditions/microcultures of classroom interaction, and access to/ease with zoom (and other technologies/platforms) are not the same for all our students. Our rethinking our reliance on “conventional” instructional practices, even what might be seen as “best practice” in use of technologies, can positively benefit from pandemic-generated pressures to change.

I’m hearing already this term from students describing experiences not unfamiliar in prior years: students new to US classrooms reporting finding it challenging/frustrating to join a discussion when they either need to formulate quickly complex thoughts in a language that is not their first (or perhaps second) or when they have been schooled in expectations for learning that make little space in the midst of a class for student voice or questioning. Zoom makes all these even harder.

That’s only one example of many instructional practices that fundamentally relate to issues of access to learning—not just for the student who feels marginalized (or, perhaps, perceives this as indicating their not being “competent”). It also significantly limits all our students benefiting from the diverse experiences, perspectives and knowledges present in the class.

Do not assume your students will raise this. Positioned as more vulnerable than their instructors, and especially when language or newnesss to a program might add to their hesitation, our students should not be the ones to tell us they are feeling left out or like they can’t fully engage or learn. Our office will continue to hold listening sessions with students and conduct a survey related more broadly to international and globally-focused students’ interests and needs. As we learn more, I will share. I also hope you will reach out to all your students throughout the term to gauge ways you can co-construct a learning environment for all students’ success.

I encourage you to think about ways this term you can interrupt some of the unexamined practices that might be reinforcing the linguistic and cultural privilege of some students and some bodies of knowledge while making marginal those of others.  I welcome you to contact me to discuss ideas, questions and concerns. Our office team (including Julie Sinclair and students from a range of backgrounds, all deeply engaged in thinking about these issues) is eager to be supportive, as are colleagues across the college and university who have been explicitly examining these issues. We are keen to brainstorm with you. We are happy to consult with individuals to share resources and brainstorm.  I also am happy to organize a small group, should there be interest, to think together about the challenges we face as instructors. (This could be a one time meeting or a group that might decide it wants to meet over time.)

Thanks for persevering through this long note. I hope to see each of you soon. And I hope this fall will be a great one for you.

Lynn Paine
Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Associate Dean, International Studies in Education

A Message to the HALE Community – July 8, 2020

This message was written to students in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program by faculty and staff members, listed below.

The policies regarding course modality and visa status issued on July 8th by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) places needless political pressure on higher education affecting the conditions in which we all work and learn. In doing so, the ruling targets members of our community who are classified as international students who may unequally experience harm. These directives place students and the universities that enroll them in jeopardy by putting public health and immigration compliance in tension with each other. As the American Council of Education put it, “On the face of it,” the ICE guidance is “horrifying.” 

The HALE faculty and staff extend care to all students affected by these unnecessary and misguided directives. While we do not have answers yet to all the questions you have, we are working as a unit, with the College of Education, and Office of International Students and Scholars and the Graduate School to determine the best way forward. Please know we want you here, you belong here, and we affirm your right to be here. Our community cannot be whole without the participation of students, faculty, and staff from around the world. We hope our efforts will result in a safe environment that is conducive to everyone’s learning.  

Sincerely,
Marilyn Amey 
Ann Austin  
Emiko Blalock  
Brendan Cantwell 
John Dirkx  
Leslie D. Gonzales  
Dongbin Kim 
Patricia Marin 
Kristen Renn 
Gabriel Serna  
Riyad Shahjahan  
Mary Tate 
Steve Weiland  
Matthew Wawrzynski  

Supporting International Students – July 8-11, 2020

The following includes two messages sent by Lynn Paine, associate dean for international education. NOTE: On July 14, the rule regarding international student visa policy was rescinded.

From July 8:

Thanks to all of you who have been sending me ideas, great questions, and creative problem-solving, and to all who clearly are sending encouragement to our students. Many in our college are also seeking ways to have their voices heard beyond MSU. I appreciate Jada Phelps-Moultrie passing on to me two different petitions (“Open Letter Against the Student Ban” and a White House petition to “Allow International Students to Finish Their Degrees“). They offer advocacy opportunities for individuals to register opposition to the new policy and support international students:

You may have seen the news on July 8 that—at the institutional level—Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are suing the government to resist the newest visa policy, which they see as harmful to students and to higher education.

It’s noteworthy, of course, that this story is also news outside the U.S., as the following articles in just a small sampling suggest:

• Nikkei’s Asian Review
• The China Daily (official English-language newspaper out of China)
• The Hindu
• The South China Morning Post (out of Hong Kong)

I am grateful for the chance to be a colleague in a community filled with people finding ways, in our work and in our civic engagement, to act on core values.

---

From July 11:

I am writing to follow up on my note from a few days ago related to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) new policy regarding visas for international students. I want to announce information sessions for faculty and staff as well as listening sessions for international students, offer updates on the policy, and provide information about advocacy and support opportunities.

Many of you are already actively exploring ways to help our students. Thank you. The information in this letter will be new for some, while some may be familiar to others of you. Given how the situation continues to evolve, I appreciate your attention to all of what follows.

UPCOMING SESSIONS

We would like to announce two information sessions for College of Education faculty and staff and two information sessions for students hosted by the Office of International Studies in Education and Office for Academic and Student Affairs.

At the faculty/staff sessions, those of us from OISE and the Office for Academic and Student Affairs will provide our most current information about the policy and its implications for courses, programs, advising, assistantships, and so on. We welcome your questions as well as your sharing your problem-solving approaches and resourceful solutions as you have been reaching out to and working with students affected by the policy. 

We also are hosting two information/listening sessions for international students. The notes I’m getting from students remind me that our students are confused, hurt, angry and worried. We need to understand better the situations they face and the supports they need. While I am writing students directly through our listserve, I very much hope program coordinators (both undergraduate and graduate) will write to your international students and notify them about these sessions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS.

UPDATES AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW POLICY DIRECTIVE

We have had the opportunity to speak with colleagues in MSU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) the past few days. While some things still remain unclear, we’d like to highlight some information as we currently understand it. We encourage everyone to stay updated through OISS.

This is a time-sensitive situation. Students need to register. Also, each student in the country needs to have a new I-20 issued by Aug. 4, so both students and the university have to move quickly to be sure their plans for fall take the new regulations into account.

We want here to respond to questions related to both new and continuing F-1 international students. International students on J-1 visas are not impacted by the new policy. It is important to note that some information is not yet clear and that OISS (along with other Big 10 institutions) are meeting regularly and working to clarify points that are not clear. We know that all universities and colleges are required to notify ICE of one of three operating modes they will follow for the fall 2020 semester: in-person, online, or hybrid (mix of in-person and online). MSU falls into the hybrid category. 

Impact of policy for our students in various categories:

New International Students Located Outside of the U.S.
Unfortunately, it is very likely that students in this category will be unable to secure a visa to enter the United States for the Fall 2020 semester. Students in this category are encouraged to begin their program of study online from their home country and must contact OISS to update their I-20 to enter for the Spring 2021 semester. If they have a fellowship or assistantship, the university is working to find a way to award those funds. More information should be available soon.

New International Students Located in the U.S.
Students in this category should be able to begin their program of study as planned. Per ICE guidance, these students cannot take a fully online schedule of classes; they must have (some) hybrid or face-to-face classes within their schedule. Independent studies may be considered for exceptions.

Continuing International Students, Previously On Campus, Currently Located Outside of the U.S.
There continues to be significant confusion about this category of students. Students in this category will be able to enroll in online classes. They may not be able to keep their current I-20 in active status in this case and may need to request a new I-20 to be issued by OISS to return for the spring semester.  MSU is still seeking clarification about this. If a student is in this category, they should contact OISS. Because they likely have a US bank account and active student account, assistantship / fellowship payments should be possible; however, the Graduate School is still determining how labor and banking laws might apply.

Continuing International Students Located in the U.S.
Students in this category should be able to continue their program of study as planned. Per ICE guidance, they cannot take a fully online schedule of classes. They will need to take at least some hybrid or face to face classes. OISS is seeking guidance on the exact number of allowed online courses for the fall semester. Independent studies and 999 credits may be considered for exceptions (following previous practice).

STILL BEING CLARIFIED

As noted above, there are questions around how many online courses will be allowed in fall for international students in the U.S. (whether new or continuing). We do know the new policy allows for online courses, but it is not clear how many. Current guidance from OISS is that every international student who is here should have at least one hybrid or in-person course in fall and more than that would be safer, if it is possible, until we are clearer.Students who are not in the U.S., whether new or continuing, can take all online courses.

There is still a question about whether the SEVIS records (the I-20) of continuing students will continue to stay active while they are outside of the United States. We hope that will be the case, and we can explain more about what that means during the information sessions. It would possibly mean they have to be enrolled full-time, even if outside the U.S.

A concerning aspect of the policy is that a university that switches to online only during the semester must ask international students to transfer or leave the country. OISS has assured us that going online for the final weeks of the semester after Thanksgiving is not a problem. The issue would be if a decision to move to online only happened at some earlier point. We are continuing to seek clarification on this. In addition, there have been lawsuits filed by a number of universities; decisions there may affect this issue. Further, there is a great deal of advocacy happening through a variety of higher education associations. There may still be changes to the policy, and there should be more clarification even about the policy as it now stands.

RECOMMENDATIONS: COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS

I know many of you are already working hard to reach out to your students. Given the confusing aspects of this policy (and its sudden announcement), the stress for students is high. We encourage you to continue to communicate with students in your programs, your advisees, or your graduate assistants. Let them know you care. Also please reassure them you are working on finding ways to be responsive to this policy so as to support them continuing in their programs.

Be in touch with students soon. Word I’m getting from some students concerns me that some, especially particularly newer students or students who already had less active connections with faculty and staff, may be making decisions about what is possible based on what they have seen on a website in term of courses they had planned to take and what appears to satisfy the regulations. They may be acting out of understandable anxiety, not knowing there are other possibilities. If you are considering adjustments on modalities for specific courses, for example, but these are not yet visible to students, let them know. Some students may be making decisions to return to their home country rather than risk deportation. I heard this week of students scrambling to get airplane tickets (with prices going up) as they abandoned their plans for fall, not yet having consulted faculty or staff, so please act expeditiously.

Our office wants to help, but we know that the key communication to students about course/program planning has to come from the programs and/or advisors. After this policy was announced, I was reassured to see some of our programs have reached out with statements of support to international students with the explanation that they will be communicating with individual students. This allows all students to hear now that we are concerned and working to be responsive; it also recognizes the reality that each student’s situation is unique. If you have not done so, I encourage you to consider some version of this approach.

Regardless of what and how you are communicating with students, we encourage you to request all F-1 international students, whether new or continuing, to schedule a virtual appointment with OISS to discuss their particular situation. OISS offers both individual Zoom appointments and live chats. Please remind students that each person’s situation is different; they should not rely on the experience of friends in other programs or universities to be confident they are making the best decisions for their program of study.

POLICY ADVOCACY

As you can understand, this policy has significant negative impacts for our students and for our university’s and college’s commitments and missions. Professional associations are making statements and engaging in policy advocacy. (See, for example, the Comparative and International Education Society’s July 10 statement.)

NAFSA says: “Institutions across the country must speak up now to ensure the dramatic implications of this policy are understood.” 

I earlier had sent links to two petitions. Let me encourage you to register your views with your elected representatives as well.  Individuals interested in advocacy can express your concerns to your legislative representatives in Washington D.C., both your U.S. representatives and senators.

Key associations—NAFSA, ACE, AAU, APLU and others—have been meeting to plan a strategy for higher education institutions. NAFSA will hold a town hall July 16. We will share information we gather from that.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN OUR COLLEGE

This note focuses on program and course taking issues for students in the wake of the ICE policy. But as many of us have been hearing, this policy and COVID impact more generally have generated a range of  new or intensified needs among our international students. I’ve heard stories of new financial stress, housing uncertainties (as social distancing makes plans for couch-surfing transition between leases no longer feasible), and more. Many of the resources we would direct students to are already tapped out; for example, the OISS emergency fund website explains it is no longer accepting applications.

All this reinforces the need for us to understand our students’ situations and think resourcefully about how to help them. Be in touch with your students. Encourage them to attend a listening session. And if you are aware of individuals, networks or resources that are able to offer some of the non-academic but very real support students may need right now, please let us know.

Thanks for making your way through this long letter. And thanks for all you are doing.

Finding Freedom, Peace & Joy – July 10, 2020

Chief of Staff Lisa A. Reeves is the author of “Freedom, Peace & Joy While in the Valley of Life,” an uplifting book covering topics of self-determination, perseverance and optimism. In this interview, Reeves discusses major themes in the book, and how they can be useful to the College of Education community. https://youtu.be/hrEfCWRum4Y

This is an abbreviated version of a longer interview about the book. To hear more from Dr. Reeves, watch the full-length interview.

Learn more about Dr. Reeves (and purchase her book) at drlisaareeves.com.

Institute for Study of Youth Sports Statement on Racial, Social Injustice – June 15, 2020

This message, written by leaders of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, was shared with the community on their blog.

Dear Friends, Colleagues and the (Youth) Sport Community:

This is an unsettling time for our country. The protest marches and demonstrations taking place throughout the United States and around the world in the last few weeks have made all of us stop to reflect on racism in our society.

We know police brutality and institutional violence against Black communities is not new. Anti-Black racism in this country has always been an issue. Yet, media, technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted racial injustices and inequities in ways that make them glaringly obvious. It has made visible how prevalent racism is in our country—as virulent as the virus itself. 

While racism is often understood to impact things like voting rights, the legal system and criminal justice issues, it is sometimes easy to forget that it is pervasive in all aspects of our lives, including our sporting lives. This point was brought home to us when we read a recent essay written by Dr. Andrew Mac Intosh, who did his doctoral degree work with us at ISYS and now serves as the Vice President of Curriculum at RISE.  In this powerful piece, Andrew points out that the act of going for a training run, something that many of us have taken for granted, on countless occassions, can be greatly influenced by one’s skin color.

Read Andrew Mac Intosh’s Essay (RISEtoWIN, June 2020)

We want to thank Andrew for his wonderful essay. At ISYS we feel grief, anger, and sadness with what is happening to the black community in America. We recognize the heavy emotional toll and collective trauma many Black people are experiencing. To Black members within our ISYS community, we hear you. We see you. We support you. We abhor the atrocities that have occurred not only recently but historically. We stand with you to challenge racial injustice and promote social justice. Systemic change needs to happen if we are going to live in a more racially and socially just world.

Our mission at the Institute is to provide leadership, scholarship and outreach that transforms the face of youth sports in ways that maximize the beneficial effects of participation for young people and society. We believe that sport has the potential to be an empowering developmental context for all youth. We believe in sport’s potential as a unifying force. We believe that sport can, and should, serve as a platform for positive social change. In order for us to realize its unifying, transformative potential we—as leaders is sport—must ensure that sport is healthy, safe, and inclusive for all. Our scholarly and applied work is committed to ensuring, and supporting others to ensuring, that these conditions are met. Recent tragic events have only further emboldened our efforts to actively continue this work.

Beyond these words, our Institute hopes that we will take responsibility as scholars, practitioners, and leaders to do what we can in our youth sport and life spaces to contest anti-Black racism and promote social justice. Though social, political issues—such as racism—are often treated as separate from (youth) sport, viewed as “distractions” from the game, and less appropriate for youth to handle, we implore those connected to our ISYS community to challenge these popular beliefs. Sport—at all levels— is a microcosm of society and can reflect/reinforce marginalizing stereotypes, interactions, and norms. We must all commit ourselves to continuously learning how anti-Blackness manifests within ourselves and our social institutions—including youth sport.

In these trying times, we encourage us all to critically reflect. To ask questions. To engage with our sport communities—with youth athletes especially—in brave, productive conversations about racial and social injustice—such as what it means to be good teammate and leader in and out of sport. We have a lot of work to do. Fortunately, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to use sport as a way to bring people together to learn, grow, and create a more just society.

In support and solidarity,

The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports

Message from the College of Education Support Staff Advisory Committee – June 10, 2020

This message for college-wide support staff was written by Amy Peebles, chairperson of the College of Education Support Staff Advisory Committee. It was shared on behalf of the committee.

Dear College of Education Support Staff Members,

The members of the College of Education Support Staff Advisory Committee want to acknowledge the grief, pain, anger, disenfranchisement and exhaustion that our colleagues of color may be experiencing following the murder of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis by the actions of members of the Minneapolis police force. We know that this act was another in a series of documented cases of assault and police brutality carried out against people of color. We express our solidarity with those who demand that the perpetrators of this crime be held accountable for their actions, including the arrest of all four officers involved, and that complete justice be received for Mr. Floyd’s family at this tragic loss. We also express our belief in, and support of, peaceful protest, the utmost demonstration of democracy, and the right of the American people to express themselves in legal assembly uninterrupted by violent interlopers and/or the authorities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided challenges for all of us and has also revealed the consequences of years of suppression, oppression, and inequality on communities of color. Those of us who live in privilege due to our skin color will never fully comprehend the challenges and the fear of living while black, brown, or Asian, but we do care, and want to work toward improvements in our communities and the world.

If you have comments or concerns in response to this statement or any other issues you wish to share during this ‘work from home during a pandemic’ time period, we would like to hear from you. 

Wishing you peace and good health,

Amy Peebles

Reflections on This Moment, and Opportunities to Stand for Racial Justice – June 9, 2020

This message, written by Associate Dean and Professor Lynn Paine, was sent to the community of international scholars, leaders and students in the College of Education.

The events of the past several weeks have caused anguish and outrage for many of us. While I have been intensely reading to educate myself to be an ally in the ongoing fight for racial justice, I have struggled to find the words to convey my thoughts. But I do not want to be silent. To Black faculty, staff and student colleagues and community members, I stand with you. The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Aubrey, Nina Pop, Sean Reed, as well as the violence against the many unarmed Black men and women before them, reflect a long history and deeply entwined system, not only of police brutality, but of widespread anti-Blackness and white supremacy. The disproportionate effects of the global pandemic on people of color is one more recent example of the inequities fundamental to our society.  I am committed to working with you to find ways to dismantle these systems.  For all in our community, these events further call us to educate ourselves and to work as educators to address the very hard challenges of systemic racism and inequity.

One of the striking aspects of this now widespread call for change are the many examples of global solidarity. Over this past weekend, protests calling for justice and an end to racism grew throughout the world, even though COVID concerns have otherwise kept people from congregating. (See, for example: these posts from the New York Times on the global protests.)

I appreciate that friends from other countries have written me with concern and support. I agree with many who have communicated that this is a time for us to do more than express concern.  Whether we are relatively newly arrived in the U.S. as a visiting scholar or international student, or are people who have lived in the U.S. much or all of our lives, this moment calls us to learn, be in dialogue and find ways to act. I offer a few suggestions below, very aware of their limitations and partialness. I hope that you will send along others that we can share.

For reading:

• A list—by no means comprehensive—that includes suggestions others have shared. I welcome others to pass along recommendations.

For dialogue and action:

• We will also be circulating for opportunities we learn about that allow opportunities to learn, engage, and be in dialogue. A recent virtual forum on “Rising to Our Responsibility: A Forum for School Leaders to Address Racial Violence and Anti-Blackness in Michigan Schools” was one step in that direction. A video is forthcoming.
• This fall, our College’s Office of International Studies will begin a forum for dialogue to learn about antiracist education and the role of education in social justice from and through global perspectives.

Our College of Education is committed to racial justice, and this requires all of us to do work at all levels—personally, within our institutions, and in our communities. I am grateful for all who are helping teach me in this process and look forward to ways I can continue to learn and be an ally in this effort.

Lynn Paine
Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Associate Dean, International Studies in Education

Statement on Events Addressing Racial Violence – June 5, 2020

This message was written for Michigan’s school leaders and educators by K-12 Educational Administration faculty, noted at the bottom.

As Michigan State University professors of educational leadership committed to confronting institutionalized racism, we must speak to recent comments by the superintendent of the Grand Ledge Public Schools, a graduate of our Department of Educational Administration, in the aftershocks of George Floyd’s murder. Rather than focusing on the suffering and violence and expressing empathy, his words blamed the victim and divided a community. This is not a time for more division. This is a time to listen, a time for humility, and a time for agreement. It is an opportunity to change for the better.

Unfortunately, this incident is merely a reflection of widespread problems with racism and bias in our country. To move forward, we must support school leaders to join us in these commitments and to offer words and actions that move us to greater racial and social justice. We understand that the Grand Ledge Superintendent has committed to diversity training, which is a common response to “solving” racial issues and transgressions. Yet decades of research suggests that anti-bias training alone is ineffective. We call all educational leaders to broader, bolder and sustained action and critical reflection to better understand issues of race and racism, including but not limited to listening to the perspectives of people of color in their communities and beyond. The reality is that bias and racism are insidious, implicit, and institutionalized and that all of us benefit from deeper reflection and learning.

In the coming months, the College of Education at MSU will offer critical support events designed to help Michigan educators hear multiple perspectives on race and racism and to build deeper understandings of the history of racial violence in our country. They will also connect individuals with knowledge, tools and strategies to shift our institutional practices. We encourage all interested educators, educational leaders, and school board members to participate in these events as a starting point towards demonstrating an ongoing commitment to understanding and addressing racism and racial violence.

The first of these events will be Rising to our Responsibility: A Forum for School Leaders to Address Racial Violence and Anti-Blackness in Michigan Schools (Tuesday, June 9 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Learn more & register today.

We also refer leaders to our MSU colleague Dr. Dorinda Carter Andrews’s excellent guidance for school leaders making a statement about George Floyd.

We look forward to learning with and from you in what we hope is just the start of a deeper and ongoing commitment to anti-racist practice.

Dr. Terah Venzant Chambers, Professor and Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion
Dr. David Chapin, Assistant Professor and Former Superintendent of East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS)
Dr. Gerardo López, Professor
Dr. Madeline Mavrogordato, Associate Professor
Dr. Jada Phelps-Moultrie, Assistant Professor
Dr. Betsann Smith, Associate Professor
Dr. Kristy Cooper Stein, Associate Professor
Dr. Chris Torres, Assistant Professor
Dr. Melissa Usiak, Assistant Professor
Dr. John Yun, Associate Professor

A Message to the TE Community – June 4, 2020

This letter, written by Department of Teacher Education leaders, was shared with undergraduate and graduate students.

Dear MSU Department of Teacher Education Students,

There are no words to describe the atrocities that we’re witnessing in the national and local news, in our communities and in our schools, but this should not keep us silent. This is not a new struggle but another iteration of the ongoing systemic violence and racism against the Black community that pervade this country. These racist acts of violence concern all citizens and especially all educators given the continued educational violence in schools through unfair discipline policies for Black students, lack of funding and resources for schools with children of color, curriculum that is not culturally sustaining and even racist, and myriad other ways. 

We write to our Black students first and foremost to let you know we stand with you, and we are committed to your education and well-being. We are deeply committed to anti-racist education and will continue to work to do more to address racism within our own programs, our department, and college. We will continue to be proactive in finding ways for your courses and experiences to reflect our commitments as outlined in our Teacher Education Core Principles and to center anti-racist pedagogy. We are committed to being in conversation and learning with and from you about your experiences in our programs and to your academic success and futures. We are committed to ensuring that MSU is a place that values you and supports you. We understand how much work there is to do and we are not backing down.

To our students who do not identify as Black, we write to remind you of ways for you to stand in solidarity and to learn how to be an ally when hate comes knocking not only on your door but on the doors of individuals and of entire communities of people who are systematically targeted and dehumanized by white supremacy and patriarchy regimes. Being non-racist is not enough: actively taking an anti-racist stance is critical (see, this EdSurge article, for example). 

Here are resources that help name and explain the history, sociology, and politics surrounding injustice and these acts of violence:

• The Case for Reparation (The Atlantic, 2014)
• The 1619 Project (TheNew York Times, August 2019)
• The Fury in U.S. Cities is Rooted in a Long History of Racist Policing Violence and Inequality (The Conversation, June 2020)
• The Long, Painful History of Police Brutality in the U.S. (Smithsonian Magazine, July 2017)
• Yale Law Professor Discusses Unrest Following Deaths of Two African Americans (NPR, May 2020)

Here are resources that might help you serve as inclusive, compassionate, and vocal allies and anti-racist educators, including ways to educate others:

• Anti-racism resources for white people (Google Doc by Sarah Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein)
• Anti-racist Education (Tolerance.org)
• Black Lives Matter at School Resources (National Education Association)
• Black Lives Matter at School (BlackLivesMatterAtSchool.com)
• The Knee on the Neck of Children and Youth of Color in Schools (Document by Nell K. Duke, University of Michigan, and Ernest Morrell, University of Notre Dame)
• White Anti-Racism: Living the Legacy (Tolerance.org)
• A Guide to How You Can Support Marginalized Communities (CNN)

Reading and becoming more informed is one step of many, and we encourage you to take actions as well. Here are some examples from our own community of how concerned citizens can come together to protest and demand change and accountability from educational leaders:

• Grand Ledge Superintendent Releases Statement After Parents Call for Resignation (WILX, June 2020)
• Protesters Call for Grand Ledge Superintendent to Resign (Lansing State Journal, June 2020)

Here are other examples of steps educators are taking: Protests, donations, lesson plans: How the education world is responding to George Floyd’s killing (Chalkbeat, June 2020).

Dr. Dorinda Carter Andrews and Dr. Shaun Harper propose six things educators can do in making statements about George Floyd, reminding us that it’s what leaders do that matters: 6 Considerations for School Leaders Making a Statement About George Floyd (Education Week, June 2020).

We include the letter from the College, sent on 5/31/20, with additional resources for becoming informed and taking action. 

To all our students, we thank you for your commitments as educators and are here to support you. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Sandra Crespo, Associate Chairperson of Graduate Education
Dr. Corey Drake, Director of Teacher Preparation Programs
Dr. Anne-Lise Halvorsen, CITE Coordinator
Dr. Doug Hartman, MATC Coordinator
Dr. Gail Richmond, Incoming Director of Teacher Preparation Programs

A Message to the HALE Community – June 2, 2020

This message was written to students in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program by faculty and staff members, listed below.

We write to you today after much contemplation. We searched and hoped to find the right words, but finally accepted that there really are no right words to express the heaviness in our hearts.

Amid a global pandemic that has led to disparate rates of infection and loss amongst communities of Color, as well as spikes of anti-Asian sentiment, there has also been a continuation of anti-Black racism and violence, including the unconscionable murders of several Black people in recent weeks. Over the last few days, we watched protestors take to the streets across the country—hoping to be heard, to be seen as human—only to face more violence.

We acknowledge that these conditions are likely impacting everyone in the HALE community while causing direct harm and trauma to our Students of Color, especially our Black students. Given the historical and recent harms inflicted on the Black community, we extend our hearts especially to Black members of our HALE community. We want you to know that we are here for you and we deeply value you, your life, and your well-being. Each of us is committed to creating a more inclusive and just community through our learning and our work within HALE and the University.

We understand that this message is not a solution, and we want you to know that we are here to talk, to listen, to learn from and with you, and to connect you to additional supports. We also want to remind all students that MSU’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) remains available. Students in crisis can call CAPS at 517-355-8270 and press “1” to speak with a crisis counselor. Additional emergency resources for students are listed on the CAPS website.

Signed,
Marilyn Amey,
Ann E. Austin,
Emiko Blalock,
Brendan Cantwell,
John Dirkx,
Leslie D. Gonzales,
Dongbin Kim,
Patricia Marin,
Kristen A. Renn,
Gabriel R. Serna,
Riyad Shahjahan,
Mary Tate,
Matthew Wawrzynski,
Steve Weiland  

A Note of Love During a Time of Sadness, Uncertainty and Fear – May 31, 2020

This message was written for the College of Education community by several college leaders, noted at the bottom.

The College of Education Dean’s Office leaders and the Faculty Equity and Inclusion Committee extend this note of love during a time of great sadness, uncertainty, and even fear. At this moment, we are living through a global pandemic that has amplified deep historical and racial inequities in our society.  On top of this, the Black community continues to experience racist acts of violence, leading to the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, George Floyd, and Tony McDade, among many others.

While these situations are impacting everyone in the College of Education and larger MSU community, we acknowledge that students, staff and faculty of color, but especially Black community members, are affected disparately by these events.

As we all reflect on and process how the events occurring in our society and lives are affecting each of us, we urge you to take time to care for yourselves.  Also, as we acknowledge, experience, and move forward in this difficult time, we encourage you to reach out to others in our community to offer words of encouragement, support, and commitment to our efforts together to create a community of care. 

We want you to know that, within our College community, many people are available to listen and offer support to you. In particular, you should feel welcome to reach out to:

• Members of our College Faculty Equity and Inclusion Committee (FEIC) (Ken Frank, Karin Pfeiffer, Shireen Al-Adeimi, Alicia Alonzo, Karl Erickson, Dongbin Kim, Gloria Lee; and Gerardo López),
• Leaders working in our Dean’s Office, including, but not limited to, Terah Venzant Chambers, Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion; Leslie D. Gonzales, Incoming College Faculty Excellence Advocate, Ann Austin, Associate Dean for Research and Sonya Gunnings-Moton, Associate Dean for Support Services & Engagement. 
• (We are sure the department chairs and other leaders in the Dean’s Office would also be available to talk, but they didn’t have the chance to work with us on this letter.)

We also want you to be aware that, within the university, there are resources available to provide support (see below). You can access MSU’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) website to see information and instructions for accessing services. Students in crisis can call CAPS at 517-355-8270 and press “1” to speak with a crisis counselor.

We want you to know that we are aware of the trauma that people are experiencing right now. This message is by no means an answer, but expresses our commitment to extend necessary support. Terah Venzant Chambers, in her new role as Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, and with support from the incoming college FEA Leslie D. Gonzales, will be organizing listening sessions for the College of Education community, with special sessions dedicated to Black students, staff, and faculty members. Please stay safe and know that you are a deeply valued member of our college community.

Resources

If you are struggling to understand the nature of aims of the protests, please consider the following resources:

• Context of Minneapolis Uprising
• James Baldwin, “Looter to who?”
• The history behind the racist phrase from Trump’s tweet on May 30
• What MLK really thought about “riots”

If you are unsure about how to talk about race, racism or are unsure how to be an ally at this moment, please consider the following topics (arranged by topic and/or audience):

Culturally Responsive Leadership

Understanding Anti-Racism

• Free Anti-Racist Webinar Opportunity featuring Dr. Bettina Love (June 2, 2020 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
• Additional Anti-Racist Resources

How to support colleagues of color and how to support black colleagues

Ways to talk about racial justice with young children

Resources for white teachers and parents

Sincerely,
Robert E. Floden, Dean
Ann Austin, Associate Dean for Research
Terah Venzant Chambers, Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion
Leslie Gonzales, Incoming Faculty Excellence Advocate
Sonya Gunnings-Moton, Associate Dean for Support Services & Engagement
Members of the 2019-20 Faculty Equity and Inclusion Committee: Ken Frank and Karin Pfeiffer (co-chairs), Shireen Al-Adeimi, Alicia Alonzo, Karl Erickson, Dongbin Kim, Gloria Lee and Gerardo López

New Educator, Message from the Dean – March 5, 2020

This message was originally planned to be published in the 2019-2020 edition of the College of Education’s New Educator magazine. A different message was published in acknowledgment of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more on the college’s response, see related messages and the coronavirus website.

Our college has entered a new decade. We are continuing our commitments to build on knowledge from research and practice, to prepare professionals for leadership, to examine issues of learning and development across the lifespan and work to improve lives. Inspired by the metaphor of 2020 vision, we hope to have clear vision about the most pressing issues, and how we can address them.

Much of our work is contributing to priority areas in urban education, STEM education, global education, promotion of well-being, and autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. The articles in the 2020-21 New
Educator demonstrate how we are contributing through teaching, research and outreach.

For example, last summer the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) shared in receiving a grant to study the implementation and effects of Michigan’s Read by Grade 3 law. This law links advancement to fourth grade to a student’s performance on a reading test, and early analysis indicates it would have a substantial effect on urban school districts. EPIC makes close connections to policy and practice by collaborating with local school districts and with the Michigan Department of Education.

To address the demands of special education, we have instituted a master’s program and graduate certificate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. Educators in these programs will learn how to find and take advantage of resources for educating students with a range of special needs. These offerings add to our successful master’s program in Applied Behavioral Analysis, focused on knowledge and skills used in working with students on the autism spectrum.

In Kinesiology, some of our faculty members examine how to help athletes (and others) return to vigorous activity after injuries, such as a torn ACL. As the field of athletic training recognizes that developing needed expertise requires more than the bachelor’s degree, we are extending our own instructional program in Athletic Training to become a master’s degree.

As we work to promote well-being, we attend to mental as well as physical health. The damage done by violence in schools goes beyond the immediate harm, with lasting psychological injuries. The School Psychology program prepares professionals who can help students heal from a range of trauma, among other challenges. One of our professors, John Carlson, is now conducting research on school “hardening” practices for school safety. He recently wrote an article about how he believes we can prevent tragedies such as school shootings.

The global reach of our mission encompasses infusing global content in core undergraduate courses, engaging with colleagues outside the U.S. in STEM education research and development, and working with students who come to us from around the world.

Speaking of which, the New Educator magazine includes a story about Vivek Vellanki’s journey as a Ph.D. student and his efforts to illuminate cross-cultural understanding through art. He also shared his talents by photographing two Latinas who are changing the course of teacher education, Professor Sandra Crespo and undergraduate Julia Alvarez for the cover.

The magazine also highlights some of the many accomplishments of our inspiring faculty, staff, students and alumni—like Erin Konheim Mandras, who is educating others about health issues at stake in many lives.

As 2020 unfolds, I am inspired to see how College of Education Spartans will continue to make, and leave, a positive impact on our world.

Building a Community of Support and Trust – May 17, 2019

Dear College of Education Community,

Last year, some members of the College of Education community marched to the Hannah Administration Building to express their collective hope for institutional change in the wake of Larry Nassar’s terrible record of sexual abuse. Many of them also left their individual thoughts and protests adhered to the building in the form of teal cards.

But the moment didn’t end there. Some of our faculty, students and staff created a living exhibit inside Erickson Hall and IM Sports Circle. “I March, I Stand,” as they called it, provided a space where individuals could express what they stand for, such as supporting survivors of sexual assault, improving the climate on campus and advocating for other causes of justice. Elements of the exhibit are now among other items, including the teal ribbons that had been tied around trees across campus, being memorialized at the MSU Museum.

Outpourings of expression like this have shown us that, while much has been done to put resources and policies in place that can protect and support survivors of sexual violence, our university community must never forget what happened. And we still have much work to do. Moreover, that work goes beyond addressing the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct and relationship violence, to also focus on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

More than a year ago, the deans across campus also came together in ways we hadn’t before. Through our discussions and revelations about needed changes, we agreed on the core values we stand for:

• To foster and protect a culture that is transparent, open, trusting and safe
• To continuously cultivate caring and accountable leadership
• To empower everyone to be engaged in a community that is inclusive and equitable

We shared these values with the MSU Board of Trustees when the university first began a search to replace its president, and we stood together again in January 2019 when we asked that action be taken in response to Interim President John Engler’s hurtful pattern of comments toward the women and girls we are striving to support. I have always been impressed by Satish Udpa, who was unanimously appointed to serve as acting president while the search continues for a permanent president.

So what do you stand for?

In a message following one of the mass shootings in our nation earlier this school year, I urged everyone to think about what they can do, especially as educators, to strive for equitable norms and discourse and behavior that have been eroded in recent decades. How can you help our students, who are preparing to teach and care for others? How can you ensure that our students know what resources, such as counseling services, are available to help them? In the spirit of community, how can we explore these questions together?

Recently, I attended a reflection space organized for faculty, staff and students by college leaders Lynn Paine and Dorinda Carter Andrews. My own thoughts were about how troubling I find the increasing partisanship in our country, and elsewhere around the world. I wish that schools did more to help students learn to engage with others on contentious and difficult issues. I also wish educators would do more to help students understand the history of struggles with injustice, here and abroad, learning from past events as they take actions to make the world a better place.

Thankfully, there are powerful examples of research, partnerships and programs focused on expanding discourse that can lead to change. And many of them are featured in the latest edition of the New Educator magazine. The MSU Dialogues program, led by Donna Rich Kaplowitz, is teaching MSU students—including future teachers—how to facilitate open conversations with others despite difference. A team of faculty uncovered some interesting insights (and tips for teachers) related to civil discourse happening in high school classrooms. In addition, Professor Beth Herbel-Eisenmann’s work shows us how teachers can use discourse moves to not only improve learning but to help all students participate more fully in math class. I hope you enjoy reading about the aspirations and accomplishments of our college.

As always, I welcome your comments and concerns.

Sexual Assault & Safety Resources

Michigan State University resources

• Sexual Assault Program, Crisis Line: (517) 372-6666
• Safe Place
• Counseling and Psychiatric Services
• Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
• Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Program
• Our Commitment website (with information about the Healing Assistance Fund)
• Police Department, (517) 355-2221
• Safe Ride
• Educational Assistance Program

Local and national resources

• End Violent Encounters (EVE), 24-hour Crisis Line: (517) 372-5572
• Community Mental Health, (800) 372-8460
• National list of resources for sexual assault survivors and their loves ones

Satish Udpa named Acting President – Jan. 17, 2019

Dear College of Education Community,

This week, the university reached another turning point, with the MSU Board of Trustees ending the appointment of Interim President John Engler, effective January 17, 2019.

While much has been done in recent months to put resources and policies in place that can protect and support survivors of sexual violence, our university community still has work to do. Moreover, that work goes beyond addressing the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct and relationship violence, to also focus on many issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

A year ago, all of the deans on campus came together to identify and work toward three core values:

• Foster and protect a culture that is transparent, open, trusting and safe
• Continuously cultivate leadership through caring and accountability
• Empower everyone to be fully engaged in a community that is inclusive and equitable

We shared these values with the Board of Trustees when the university first began a search to replace its president, and this week we stood together in asking that action be taken in response to Engler’s hurtful pattern of comments toward the women and girls we are striving to support. Now more than ever, we must show leadership that is not only accountable and transparent, but also compassionate.

In the College of Education, we have long aspired to do work that embodies these values. Many of our instructional programs aim to instill these values in our students, and to give them knowledge and skills to act on them. Much of our research and outreach work is aimed at understanding the forms and sources of inequities, and at developing ways to make improvements. We believe, however, that we too often fall short. One proposal from our faculty governing body is a new standing committee. This group will share responsibility with me for making recommendations to improve persistent and systemic conditions concerning our college climate regarding faculty equity and diversity. We have established a staff committee with a parallel charge. The core values listed above will guide our collective efforts to move our college forward.

New Acting President Named

The MSU Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Satish Udpa as Acting President. Udpa previously served as the Executive Vice President for Administrative Services, and as the dean of the College of Engineering. I have always been impressed with the ways in which he works and with his accomplishments. The search continues for a permanent president for our institution.

I am hopeful that with new leadership, we can return our focus to healing for the survivors of Nassar’s abuse and to creating a campus where we have not only the policies and resources but the will to prevent such abuses from ever happening again.

I welcome your comments and concerns.

Pittsburgh Gun Violence – Nov. 1, 2018

Dear College of Education Community,

The recent shooting in Pittsburgh has shaken many in our college’s community, as we manage our initial emotions following Saturday’s act of violence. It touched our lives and, coming together with other recent acts of violence, showed that there are no completely safe places. To help restore faith in the places where we live and work, I encourage each of us to model kindness, compassion, and empathy for one another.

After our initial responses of sorrow and sympathy for those directly affected, I ask you all to think about what you can do as educators to restore norms and civil discourse and behavior that have been eroded in recent decades. How can you help our students, who are preparing to teach and care for others? How can you ensure that our students know what resources, such as counseling services, are available to help them as they are affected by such tragic events? In the spirit of community, I urge us to explore these questions together and share strategies across groups.

Recently, I attended a reflection space organized by college leaders Lynn Paine and Dorinda Carter Andrews and am thankful for their leadership in this effort. My own thoughts were about how troubling I find the increasing tribalism and partisanship in our country, and elsewhere around the world. I wish that schools did more to help students learn to engage with others on contentious and difficult issues. I also wish schools would do more to help students understand the history of struggles with injustice, here and abroad, learning from past events as they take actions to make the world a better place. Those who attended the reflection space appreciated having the chance to talk about their reactions and thoughts about how to work with others on ways forward personally and professionally.

The coming weeks will allow us more opportunities to collectively explore how we do our best work as educators during these times. College leaders, including Drs. Paine and Carter Andrews, are discussing what next steps to take and welcome your input.

Town Hall & Resources – Feb. 11, 2018

Dear College of Education Community,

The past few weeks and months have been hard, upsetting and challenging times for many of us. As a community, we have started engaging in conversations that will help to begin healing and build a culture that’s more trusting, safe and accountable.

The Michigan State University College of Education held a town hall meeting on Feb. 6, 2018 where I described what I knew of recent events. Faculty, staff and graduate students talked about their feelings, questions and concerns and also suggested next steps. We are compiling a summary from the event to use in guiding our next steps. In addition, I plan to meet soon with the undergraduate Student Leadership Council.

I am saddened by the past, present and future suffering Nassar caused. I am also deeply troubled that issues of violence, abuse and harassment on our campus extend beyond this one terrible case. I hope the leadership and commitment many of you have shown will contribute toward changes needed for MSU to be more transparent, open, trusting and safe.

We must stand in support of the survivors of sexual assault, including members of our college community, and offer them the support they need. The resources listed below are now available. I am working with other deans to determine what additional resources are needed, as well as to identify changes that will reduce the time needed to obtain help from the existing resources. If you have suggestions regarding additional resources that are needed, please send them to me.

Michigan State University resources

• Sexual Assault Program, Crisis Line: (517) 372-6666
• Safe Place
• Counseling and Psychiatric Services
• Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
• Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Program
• Our Commitment website (with information about the Healing Assistance Fund)
• Police Department, (517) 355-2221
• Safe Ride
• Educational Assistance Program

Local and national resources

• End Violent Encounters (EVE), 24-hour Crisis Line: (517) 372-5572
• Community Mental Health, (800) 372-8460
• National list of resources for sexual assault survivors and their loves ones

Change and Rebuilding Trust – Jan. 25, 2018

Dear College of Education Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,

The statements from Nassar’s victims have been heart-wrenching. I can barely imagine the ways that they and their families have suffered, and continue to suffer.

I admire the bravery the women showed in speaking out, and only wish that their voices had been heard and heeded much sooner. As educators, we have a special responsibility for creating environments where people feel empowered to speak, and those in positions of power are ready to listen. We also need to ensure the safety of the students in our programs.

As our university leadership changes, priority must be given to making changes to our university culture that will support speaking out and listening. Rebuilding trust will take time. Open communication will be crucial. I am committed to both.

For those who want to reach me, my email address is floden@msu.edu. I will find time for a phone call or meeting.

Making Connections – Feb. 22, 2017

Read on New Educator “Making Connections”

Introducing Dean Floden – June 22, 2016

Read on New Educator “Introducing Dean Floden”