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Women in Engineering Student Success

to wie student ambassadors talking during the wie celebration

Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Success programming supports women engineering students of all levels academically, personally and professionally. WIE offers formal and informal mentoring, peer led success seminars, opportunities for networking and leadership development, and connection to helpful resources across campus and beyond. 


Student success programs

A group of students gathered in a circle

Our WIE Student Success programming builds a community that supports and inspires current women engineering students. Our programs offer opportunities to connect with peers, mentors and the WIE Student Success team. Programming topics include professional development, health and wellness and building relationships.

Sign up to get the latest updates from WIE Student Success. Texts are sent once or twice each month with information on WIE, College and University resources/activities and events. Students may sign up at any time. Text @wiestudentsuccess to 81010.

Gain and enhance leadership skills through a four to six-week Leadership Series workshop, held each fall and spring! Sessions consist of alumni guest speakers, interactive activities, and networking with other students from all undergraduate levels. Participants have the opportunity to put their leadership experience into practice at an outreach event held on campus each semester. A t-shirt and certificate will also be awarded at the end of the series.
Email wie@egr.msu.edu for more information

Designed specifically for first and second year students in engineering, this program provides students with support specifically targeted to build skills in the areas of professional development, leadership, mentoring and academics.

WIE Rise is an academic year program (fall and spring). Program information will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

The WIE Connect Mentoring Program matches first year students with sophomore/junior/senior mentors to allow first year students the opportunity to have a guide to help them through their first year and mentors the opportunity to help a new student find their way in their first year at MSU. This includes meetings and activities designed to build community and help participants grow personally and professionally. WIE Connect is an academic year program (fall and spring) with the application process taking place in the summer. All students will receive email during the summer with information on the WIE Connect application.

The WIE Student Success Freshman Portal is a virtual community for new students. The Portal is open the summer before students start at MSU to build early connections. The Portal includes opportunities to ask questions, learn more about the WIE Student Success office, programs and personnel. The WIE Student Success Freshman Portal is open to all incoming students. Students are automatically added to the Portal and will receive an email in June. Please email wie-ss@egr.msu.edu if you are an incoming freshman unable to access the Portal.


Student success events

African American and Caucasian Student working on a heavy cutting machine in a Women's Workshop

WIE Student Success sponsors Engineering Inclusion and Diversity Study Breaks during the academic year (fall and spring semesters). These events are quick 'grab and go' snack breaks held several times each semester. They are a great opportunity to meet other engineering students, connect with WIE Student Success/Inclusion and Diversity, and have a free tasty treat. Inclusion and Diversity Study Break Dates will be announced during each semester.
Kickoff each academic year with the Inclusion and Diversity Open House. WIE Student Success will be there! Join us for fun, food and connections! Meet other engineering students and the Inclusion and Diversity team. Inclusion and Diversity Open House dates will be announced and shared before the start of the fall semester.

Inclusion and Diversity affiliated student groups

Women in Engineering student success is affiliated with three student organizations. These organizations offer opportunities for professional and leadership development, connecting with women engineers, personal growth and support.

Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for women in engineering and engineering technology. Michigan State University received colony status in January 2012 and an official chapter on December 1st 2012.

Please e-mail phisigmarho.rush@gmail.com if you would like more information about joining the sisterhood. Also visit the local MSU Phi Sigma Rho Chapter and the National Phi Sigma Rho for more information about the sorority.

At MSU, SWE is a large and active student organization in the College of Engineering. SWE serves as a support base for women students who are studying engineering but is open to all engineering students. Members of SWE can participate in many programs including regular meetings, outreach, community service, social events, leadership opportunities, engineering conferences and award banquets. Visit Society of Women Engineers at Michigan State and the Society of Women Engineers national site for more information.

Michigan State University Women in Computing (MSU WIC) is a registered chapter of ACM-W and an organization of students and faculty, both men and women, who work to recruit, support, and retain women in computing-related fields. Our members are a part of a close-knit community on campus that participates in several events throughout the course of the year. Some events we host during the semester include tech talks from visiting companies such as Vertafore, Crowe Horwath, and Target; Lean In Circles; technical workshops; social events; and various outreach activities.

The organization is very active with a variety of programs for current students as well as pre-college students. Visit MSU Women in Computing for more information.


Health and wellness resources

Health Promotion at MSU aims to challenge the health attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of the MSU community with a data-driven approach focused on education, environmental management, and harm reduction efforts so students are able to pursue their personal and academic goals. Resources include but are not limited to fitness and wellness coaching, nutrition, recovery, and sexual wellness.

MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) supports ALL students. CAPS is the place on campus for students seeking help for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress management, homesickness, adjustment or acculturation, relationships, issues around race, gender and sexual orientation (LGBTQIA2S+), substance abuse, traumatic experiences, eating or body image concerns, and other personal mental health concerns. CAPS combines the clinical services of counseling and psychiatry in one setting.

Need someone to talk to right now? Crisis services are available 24/7.
Call (517) 355-8270 and press “1” at the prompt to speak with a crisis counselor. If you think you or someone around you is in danger, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

Olin Health Center is the primary Student Health Services location. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and some Health Promotion services are also located in Olin Health Center. Student Health Services offers primary care, allergy/immunizations, sports medicine, laboratory and physical therapy services, among others. See all services here, including women’s health.

Women's health refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and conditions that affect a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Women's health includes a wide range of specialties and focus areas, such as:

The programs offered by MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness Services are facilitated through three indoor intramural facilities, one multi-purpose arena, 27 acres of outdoor recreational field space, an off-site sailing center and shared campus facilities including tennis courts, golf courses, and an ice arena among others. The program specific functions include informal or drop-in recreation at any of these facilities; structured competitive intramural sports; programs dedicated for health, wellness and fitness; sport club opportunities; non-credit instruction for acquiring new skills; and unique opportunities targeted for persons with disabilities. Recreational Sports facilities are membership only. Most students have paid through the Rec Fee noted on your student bill but will need to activate your membership.
Recreational Sports and Fitness Services offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in many Intramural Sports and activities on a competitive and recreational level. All skill levels are welcome. There are over ten team sports with many special events and tournaments offered each year.

All things financial

Support for students experiencing a financial crisis is available. Any student in need of urgent financial assistance should email one of the following people:
WIE Student Success Director - Judy Cordes, cordes@egr.msu.edu
WIE Student Success Assistant Director Sandy Christlieb, sandra@egr.msu.edu

Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU)
ASMSU offers a short-term and interest free loans to current MSU students.

Michigan State University Office of Financial Aid is your first point of contact for questions regarding financial aid.

Financial education
MSU Federal Credit Union provides financial education through the MSUFCU Financial 4.0 program. Online resources, weekly tips and workshops are available.


Staying safe and support for survivors

A group of people viewing the spartan stadium

The Center for Survivors is honored to work with sexual assault survivors and all others who are impacted by sexual violence. For information on free individual counseling and support groups for MSU students, call the 24-hour hotline (517) 372-6666 or visit the Center for Survivors website for crisis chat, resources, and advocacy services offered to anyone in the greater Lansing community.
24/7 SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS HOTLINE - (517) 372-6666

MSU Safe Place is a program that addresses relationship violence and stalking. Located on the campus, they provide advocacy, shelter, counseling, support groups, safety planning, information and referrals to survivors of violence and their minor children. All support services are free and confidential. Additionally, they work to increase awareness about relationship violence and stalking through community education and outreach efforts.

Safe Ride is a late-night transportation service provided to members of the Michigan State University community as a safe and free alternative to walking home alone after dark. University Safe Ride programs are proven to reduce assault-related dangers and drunk driving both on and off campus. Safe Ride is back in a limited capacity, throughout the semester we hope to have additional vans and drivers. Please be prepared for wait times that can exceed 20-25 minutes due to rider demand.
Phone: (517) 884-8069

Learn more


Basic needs

The MSU Student Food Bank serves MSU students experiencing food insecurity by providing free food and related items year-round. MSU undergraduate, graduate and professional students who do not have an MSU dining plan and are enrolled in courses in fall or spring semester are eligible to use the Student Food Bank. Students do not need to be enrolled in summer classes in order to use the food bank in the summer.
The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing helps women achieve financial stability and independence through personalized services, including resume and cover letter creation, interview preparation, budgeting sessions, application assistance, and counseling, with a focus on each client’s whole health, including their physical and mental well-being.

Haven House is a family homeless shelter serving one- and two-parent families with at least one child. If you are a mom or dad seeking temporary shelter and assistance finding a permanent home, call (517) 337-2731. 

If you do not have access to a phone, this site allows free calls online.

In achieving its goals, the Women in Engineering program does not unlawfully discriminate. All events and programs are open to students of all genders.