Today’s weather forecast is predicting partly cloudy skies during the morning hours which will become overcast in the afternoon with a high of 59 degrees and a low of 46 degrees.

MSU board to vote on 7% rate increase for dorms, dining plans

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees will consider a 7% increase in rates for residence halls and dining plans at its meeting Friday. The change is recommended by the university’s department of Student Life and Engagement, which says an increase is needed to keep up with rising inflation.

The proposed hike would see higher rates for the standard double-room and the silver dining-plan option.

The recommendation notes that in seven of the last eight years, room and board rate increases were below 3%, and that this change would help the university “mitigate the impact of inflation.” It also argues that even with the increase, MSU’s room and board pricing will remain “competitively positioned” with other Big Ten universities.

The recommendation also includes a 5% increase for 1855 Place and University Village Apartments and a 3% increase for Spartan Village Apartments.

The board will discuss and vote on the recommended increase before the public comment section of this week’s Friday meeting.

MSU hires external firm to review university response to mass shooting

Michigan State University has hired an external firm to review the university’s response to the Feb. 13 mass shooting.

MSU’s entire response will be evaluated, including action by law enforcement, university operations, support and communication.

The Ohio firm is an independent security consulting organization. According to a university press release, the team includes former law enforcement and public safety executives.

“Their experience working with higher education institutions will be a critical asset as we work to strengthen our response efforts and ensure a safer campus for our community,” MSU interim president Teresa Woodruff said.

Once the review is completed, the firm’s recommendations will be shared with the public.

‘Out of the Darkness’ walkout raises awareness for suicide prevention

In the courtyard between the International Center and Wells Hall this past Sunday, April 16, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention workers and volunteers greeted each other while wearing shirts that read “Hope Walks Here.”

They began preparing for the “Out of the Darkness” campus walkout, which brought over 50 people in support of suicide prevention.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP, is a health organization that aims to bring care to those who are battling suicidal thoughts and mourning from its impact. The walkout was held in collaboration with MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services.

Before the walkout began at 1 p.m., attendees were urged pick up different colored beads — each color representing a different reason for why someone is affected by suicide.

Before the walk began, a moment of silence was held for those who have died from mental health issues. Attendees, workers and volunteers raised their beads in the air in unison to show support.

Event organizer Courtney Brown, who works for CAPS, had several goals for the walkout. She wanted to bring awareness to suicide and let people know they don’t have to suffer alone. Brown said she saw “smiling faces despite the purpose” of the event.

Brown hopes that in the future, AFSP’s Michigan chapter can raise enough money to bring more community resources, research and support to those that we’ve lost and are currently fighting.

Based on original reporting by Alex Walters, Morgan Womack and PJ Pfeiffer.