MSU University Outreach and Engagement

10/23/2026

Shout-out to our volunteers for the Fall 2026 Spartan Day of Service for ! 352 Spartans collectively volunteered 2,112 hours with 12 community partners. Together, they created $71,259 of equivalent financial impact in communities served (based on the MI value of volunteer time per the Independent Sector).

Read more about the impact our students made at https://communityengagedlearning.msu.edu/news-announcements/2026/fall-2026-spartan-day-of-service-for-9-11-day-volunteer-impact.

10/14/2026

The Call for Proposals for the 2027 Conference on Community Writing is now open!

Join the Coalition for Community Writing in Detroit, Michigan, October 20–23, 2027, at Wayne State University for “Nurturing Human Connection in an Age of Isolation.”

We invite community organizers, writers, artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, students, scholars, and others to explore how community writing can foster connection, collaboration, reciprocity, and care in an increasingly isolated and technology-driven world.

We welcome proposals for interactive workshops, panel presentations, roundtable discussions, guided contemplative practices, creative displays, and undergraduate posters.

📍 Detroit, Michigan | Wayne State University
📅 October 20–23, 2027
📝 Proposals: 250–500 words
⏰ Submission deadline: December 7, 2026

We look forward to learning from the many voices and communities shaping the future of community writing!

View the full CFP and submit your proposal at www.communitywriting.org.

10/11/2026

🔬 Have an idea that sparks curiosity? Share it at the 2027 MSU Science Festival!

Proposal submissions are now open for presenters interested in inspiring audiences of all ages through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Help make science accessible (and fun!) for communities across Michigan.

📅 Proposals due: December 4, 2026
🔗 sciencefestival.msu.edu

10/01/2026

Join MSU’s Mental Health Research Connect and NAMI Lansing for a special event during Mental Illness Awareness Week on October 7!

The event will feature Thomas Insel, MD, the former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Insel is a nationally recognized leader in mental health care.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A with the audience. A live panel discussion with local experts and community leaders will then consider how these ideas can be applied within our communities.

Register to attend here: https://secure.namilansing.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F56656

09/30/2026

09/25/2026

In honor of Native American Day in Michigan, we're featuring Traditions by Caitlin Wanic. Caitlin is an artist, beadworker, citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community, and student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. This piece was selected for inclusion in the Native American Resource Guide, which features artwork by Native artists from across Michigan: https://go.msu.edu/NAResourceGuide

Native American Institute

09/21/2026

Need dedicated writing time? ✍️

Treat yourself to two days of uninterrupted writing time in a supportive, collaborative environment. The Community-Engaged Scholarship Fall Writing Retreat offers space to focus, connect with peers, and make meaningful progress on your writing goals.

Learn more and register: https://go.msu.edu/FallWriting26

The Writing Center at MSU
The Graduate School at Michigan State University

09/18/2026

09/15/2026

Join the NOM Food Forum on Oct. 1 at WKAR Studios for a day of food, conversation, and community. Share a meal, celebrate culinary diversity, and engage in meaningful conversations on issues that help shape our communities. Register by visiting: https://www.liftproj.com/nomnomnom

Native American Institute
Michigan Traditional Arts Program
MSU Center for Community and Economic Development