International Faculty, Staff and Administrators
Welcome!
Whether you are coming from Cambodia or Canada, Africa, Asia or Australia, the EU, South America, or Scandinavia, we welcome you to the MSU community. The WorkLife Office can help you land in East Lansing. The WorkLife Office can connect you with offices at the university, like International Studies and Programs, who provide visa support, volunteers to help you become oriented, and social events where you can meet other newcomers or experienced international faculty and staff.
We understand how different the details of a new community can be. We can help you with things like:
- banking,
- real estate,
- utility companies,
- commercial resources like local markets and restaurants that offer international foods,
- faith communities,
- and information on schools and sports to help you get settled smoothly.
Stories from International Colleagues
Our International Newcomer Mentoring Program
New international faculty or academic specialist are invited to participate in the MSU WorkLife Office International Newcomer Mentoring Program. Participants may be single, married, or have children. The goal is for the local volunteer family to assist the international newcomer and/or family settle into our community. The expectation is that the local family will meet the newcomer and/or family at least once for dinner out or host them and have contact at least once a month or as needed to provide information on MSU, the local community, things to do, etc. There will also be an orientation for the newcomers and the volunteer families.
Would you be interested in an employee resource group for international academic educators and staff?
Stay in Contact - Join the International Listserv
We’d like to keep in touch with you and allow you the opportunity to get information pertinent to the international community. It is simple to join our International Listserv at MSU! To join, send an email to listserv@list.msu.edu and include the following command line in the body of the message (not the Subject): SUBSCRIBE INTERNATIONAL. To unsubscribe at any time, send an email to listserv@list.msu.edu and include the following command line in the body of the message (not the Subject): UNSUBSCRIBE INTERNATIONAL. It really is that easy!
University Departments and Organizations
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
The Office for International Students & Scholars provides support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars, and families.
- Visa and Immigration:
OISS advises MSU’s international students, scholars, faculty and staff and their families on maintaining non-immigrant status in the United States. - Immigration Alerts:
OISS monitors changes in immigration regulations and policies affecting international students and scholars. Updates will be posted as they become available. - Bringing Family:
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age are considered dependents of F-1 students and can be admitted to the U.S. in F-2 non-immigrant status. - Checklist for Faculty and Staff:
Important things to consider and do before and soon after you arrive in East Lansing. - Find a place to live:
It is important to search for housing before you arrive in East Lansing. If you would like to look at apartment or housing options after you arrive, you will need to reserve a hotel room for a few days. You should reserve your hotel room before you arrive in East Lansing so that you know you have a place to stay right away. Contact the WorkLife Office for additional assistance. - Credit:
You may not have a credit rating when you arrive in the United States, so check with your bank at home before you leave to find out what you might need to establish a credit card, loan or mortgage in the US. - Driver’s License:
A Michigan driver’s license is very helpful because it serves as convenient photo identification for accessing the health care system, setting up utility accounts, renting cell phones or contracting cell service. A driver’s license can be easily swiped to confirm your identity in these systems, whereas a passport cannot be electronically swiped in the same way. You must also have a domestic driver’s license to drive a vehicle from the Michigan State University vehicle pool, which is much easier and more convenient than renting a car from a commercial rental agency. Note that you must have a Social Security Number and evidence of legal presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license.
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is dedicated to leadership development, postdoctoral training infrastructure, and training support.
International Studies & Programs (ISP)
International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach at Michigan State University.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP is a service that includes assessment, short term counseling, and referral for issues that require ongoing care.
Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) reviews concerns related to discrimination and harassment based on age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, and weight under the University’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) and Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM). Report a concern.
Diversity Research Network (DRN)
The DRN is intended to be a support resource for enhancing research productivity, grant and publication output, and meaningful collaborative research opportunities. The initiative will provide places and spaces to network, collaborate, and improve community while supporting research activities and engagement. The DRN office has a robust network of faculty of color, international faculty of color, and other diversity scholars at MSU.
Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation
In concert with the Provost, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation is responsible for recruiting outstanding faculty through MSU’s Global Impact Initiative, and maintaining synergy between research and creative scholarship and the education of graduate students through The Graduate School.
Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (I3)
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives leads and supports efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU’s core values.
Health4U
Health4U is focused on helping the MSU community explore the fundamentals of a health-promoting lifestyle. Health4U provides access to high quality, evidence informed, and culturally conscious health education and support.
Office of Faculty & Academic Staff Development (OFASD)
The OFASD (formerly the Academic Advancement Network) works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators at Michigan State University as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and move through various stages of review, promotion, and growth.
MSU Human Resources
- Toolkit for new employees: Much of the information you need to complete and know as you start at the university.
- Faculty and Academic Staff: Resources and information relevant to your position.
- Benefits: MSU is pleased to offer an extensive benefits package to its employees.
International Faculty Orientation Committee
- Barbara Roberts, WorkLife Office Executive Director
- Ann Austin, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development-Academic Career Paths
- Liz Matthews, Office for International Students and Scholars Assistant Director
- Beth Leete, Academic Advancement Network, Executive Staff Assistant
- Cindi Leverich, Academic Advancement Network, Director of Academic Leadership Development
- Erica Venton, Office of the Provost Communications Team Marketing Manager
- Kelly Mazurkiewicz, Office of the Provost Communications Team Senior Communications Manager
