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ROOT Scholars

Realizing Our Objectives Together

The ROOT Scholars program focuses on college transition and academic success for students entering their first years in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) at Michigan State University (MSU). In ROOT, which stands for Realizing Our Objectives Together, we collectively build academic and social support structures. Before their peers even move to campus, ROOT Scholars earn college credit for:

  • ROOT Scholars RCAH MSUexploring campus, East Lansing, and downtown Lansing together
  • building community with other students who will live down the hall from them
  • gaining exposure to resources on MSU’s campus
  • developing skills that will help them be successful at MSU
  • meeting RCAH faculty, including their first-year writing professors
  • meeting RCAH staff, including their academic adviser and career adviser
  • meeting RCAH alumni who work in the greater Lansing area

Program Structure

  1. ROOT is a 5-day residential bridge program that allows students to move into Snyder Hall before the regular move-in period begins. The program covers the cost of early move-in and meals until meal plans are activated.
  2. Students who accept their invitation to ROOT will be enrolled in a 1-credit first-year success seminar that meets weekly during the Fall semester. RCAH’s advisor will assist students with scheduling to ensure they stay within MSU’s block tuition rate.
  3. Students can be invited back to serve as ROOT Mentors in subsequent years.

Our students…

  • ROOT Scholars RCAH MSUengage actively in experiences designed for the ROOT cohort.
  • enroll in RCAH’s 1-credit ROOT Seminar during Fall semester.
  • contribute to our supportive community that fosters academic and personal success.
  • rise into both formal and informal leadership positions throughout both Snyder Hall and the RCAH program.

 

Join the Next ROOT Cohort

First year students admitted to MSU who have selected a primary major from RCAH can fill out an application form during summer orientation to be considered for the program.

Meet the Leads

Marcus Fields, Assistant Director of Arts and Media Learning

Corrine Williams, Director of Student Success and Advising

ROOT Scholars RCAH MSUROOT Scholars RCAH MSU

Academics