The college experience is a time of growth and transformation – not just for students, but for their families as well. For many, it’s a journey into uncharted territory. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by families supporting their Spartans, Michigan State University offers Spartan Family Connections (SFC), an office designed to provide unique resources and support to empower families and help students thrive.

Empowering Families for Student Success
At its core, SFC’s mission is to serve as a bridge between families and the university, empowering both biological and chosen families to become active partners in their students’ educational journeys. By equipping families with the right tools and resources, SFC encourages an environment of collaboration, ensuring Spartans have the support they need to navigate their college years successfully.

“Students often turn to their families first, especially in moments of high emotion,” says Laurin Gierman, director of SFC. “We strive to ensure families are informed and prepared to guide their students to the appropriate resources on campus when needed.”

Celebrating Impact
Over the past three years, SFC has made significant strides in connecting with Spartan families. With more than 29,000 members in its private Facebook group and nearly 77,000 subscribers to its newsletter, SFC has created a thriving community of engaged supporters. These families now have a centralized resource to navigate the complexities of university life, fostering stronger connections between home and campus.

SFC is always evolving to meet the needs of Spartan families. Recent initiatives have expanded opportunities for engagement during MSU’s Family Weekend, with activities like visits to the Bug House, tours of Beaumont Tower led by MSU Tower Guard, and hands-on experiences at the MSU Library MakerSpace. These partnerships highlight some of the university’s hidden gems while creating memorable moments for families and students alike.

Looking ahead, SFC remains committed to building new collaborations across campus, continually seeking opportunities to enrich the Spartan experience for families.

Working with families has taught SFC valuable lessons about the dynamics of student support. “Families are fierce advocates for their students and always want the best for them,” Gierman notes. “However, students sometimes just need space to vent. Helping families find the right balance between advocacy and giving their students autonomy has been key to providing them with relief and reassurance.”

A Heartfelt Impact
The success of SFC is reflected in the positive experiences of the families it serves. One colleague shared a story about an out-of-state parent of a first-year student who was navigating the challenges of joining a student organization. “The parent was so grateful for the resources and guidance SFC provided – it made them feel connected and reassured, even from a distance.”

Looking Ahead
As MSU continues to embrace its mission of empowering students and families, Spartan Family Connections stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration and community. By equipping families with knowledge and resources, SFC ensures Spartans can focus on what matters most: thriving on their path to graduation.

For more information about Spartan Family Connections and how it supports Spartan families, visit SFC’s website or follow the Facebook group at facebook.com/SpartanFamilyConnections. Together, Spartans and their families can navigate the journey to success.