Today’s weather forecast is predicting cloudy skies with possible flurries or snow showers with a high of 29 degrees and a low of 24 degrees.
MSU’s new master’s in clinical mental health counseling seeks to address growing public need
Next year, Michigan State University is launching a brand-new Master of Arts program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the first of its kind at MSU.
This program is designed to address the growing need for mental health professionals, offering students an accredited degree that leads to counseling licensure. Along the way, students will complete extensive clinical hours, giving them hands-on, supervised experience.
Faculty say the demand for mental health services has skyrocketed–especially in the wake of COVID-19. Professor and program director Gloria Lee emphasizes that this program responds directly to student, community, and national needs.
The program will be three years long, requiring 60 credits, and will align with CACREP accreditation standards–which ensures graduates can apply for licensure. Courses will cover everything from counseling techniques to addiction, trauma, and crisis counseling.
A unique feature? The program is closely tied to MSU’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program, which focuses on working with individuals with disabilities. Students will share faculty and coursework between both programs, broadening their expertise.
Clinical Coordinator Trisha Easley highlights that supervised practical experience is key–students will intern at places like MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services, private practices, and community mental health agencies.
MSU hopes this program will produce highly skilled mental health professionals ready to serve schools, hospitals, community agencies–even prisons. It’s a major step toward closing the gap in mental health care.
Collegiate improv groups gather at MSU for Jest Fest
A Spicy Clamato, a Paperback Rhino and a BBQ Kitten all walk into a bar. This isn’t the setup for a corny joke… this is Jest Fest, the Midwest’s largest collegiate improv gathering!
This two-night event at Michigan State University brought together teams from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa for games, laughter, and community-building. Hosted by MSU’s Roial Improv Players, Jest Fest kicked off with an “open swim” session, where performers mingled and warmed up with classic improv games.
Event Director Hannah Greenspan revived Jest Fest after COVID disruptions, modeling it after other college festivals. This year, they expanded to two showcase performances, ensuring every team had time in the spotlight.
Day two featured performances from Spicy Clamato, Hypothetical Fistfight, UofM’s Impro-fessionals, and BBQ Kitten. Each troupe brought their unique style–some using audience-filled “Mad Libs,” others crafting long-form scenes with unpredictable twists.
The audience played a key role, fueling the energy with suggestions and laughter. Hope Hazel, an audience member, pointed out how improv reflects the world around us, saying, “young artists are writing history through their comedy.”
Jest Fest wrapped up with big laughs, new friendships, and a bright future for MSU’s improv scene. If you missed it, Roial Improv hosts monthly shows at Snyder Phillips RCAH Theater.
Remembrance events planned for two-year anniversary of MSU shooting
Michigan State University has announced plans for remembrance events marking the two-year anniversary of the tragic Feb. 13, 2023 campus shooting. These events aim to provide space for reflection, community engagement, and support for students, faculty, and staff.
Classes will not be held on Feb. 13, with no assignments or exams due that day–or on Feb. 14–allowing students time to grieve, reflect, and participate in remembrance activities. University services, including dining halls, CATA transportation, and mental health resources, will remain open.
Plans for the anniversary include a “Caring Through Service” event hosted by the Center for Community Engaged Learning. This event will be held at the Breslin Center Hall of History between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., where students can create wellness kits and friendship bracelets, among other activities.
The MSU Alumni Chapel will also be open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with volunteers assisting with support resources.
Outdoors, there will be tented and heated spaces open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring luminary kits, hot cocoa, comfort dogs and QR codes to give feedback on the permanent memorial design. The three locations are:
-Near the Rock
-Next to the Grand River Ramp, at the corner of West Circle Drive and East Circle
-The Spartan statue
There are also plans in place for music to be played at Beaumont Tower, followed by a moment of silence and the ringing of the tower’s bells from 8:10 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.
Beaumont Tower, the MSU Union and Berkey hall will be lit green from 6 p.m. Feb. 13 until 6 a.m. Feb. 14.
There are also three opportunities for students to engage with community art.
Exhibits created on the one-year anniversary will be installed in Berkey Hall and the MSU Union — where the shooting took place — ahead of Feb. 10.
The Office for Research and Support Coordination’s email also listed mental health resources for community members, including MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services and the MSU Employee Assistance Program. Both will have drop-in appointments available on Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Based on original reporting by Hannah Locke, Victoria Winfield and Somer Sodeman.
