Campus was filled with prospective students and their families at the end of July as Michigan State University welcomed more than 7,000 guests for the 22nd annual Green and White Days. As MSU’s largest open house program for high school students considering applying to the university, the five-day event gave future Spartans the opportunity to experience campus life, explore academic programs and get a glimpse of what their college experience could look like. 

“Green and White Days is the first impression our office can make toward prospective students and their families,” says Spartan Family Connections Intern Claire Kraft. “Knowing that we are here to support students from their first time on campus, which may be Green and White Days, to when their future Spartan takes on graduation, it’s important that we make a lasting impression.” 

Each day began with presentations focused on admissions and academics before giving attendees the freedom to explore campus in the afternoon. Students and their families could choose from a variety of learning and experiential opportunities based on their individual interests. 

"Green and White Days is an important part of the admissions process because, unlike a ‘typical’ visit where the group moves through the same information together, Green and White Days gives students a taste of life at MSU," says Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) Outreach Assistant Amanda Ross. "With multiple learning and experiential opportunities to choose from across campus, two students visiting on the same day can have entirely different experiences unique to their interests." 

For many visitors, experiencing campus life also meant experiencing the food and hospitality that Michigan State has to offer for the first time. Culinary Services welcomed guests with a variety of options, including entrees from each residential neighborhood, new loaded waters from retail partners, and food and beverages from the Kellogg team. 

"The dining experience is such a huge part of campus life, and it's great to show these folks that we can deliver excellence," says Executive Chef Robert Trufant. "These students are going to be away from home, many for the first time, and we want them to experience firsthand our hospitality, so they feel confident they're making the best choice to attend the most awesome campus in the nation." 

The variety of menu offerings received positive feedback from students and families throughout the event. Green and White Days provided Culinary Services and REHS with an opportunity to introduce prospective students to residential and dining experiences while also highlighting the employment opportunities on campus. 

Behind the scenes, the success of Green and White Days was made possible by the collaboration of staff across campus. 

"We have an extremely talented and dedicated crew of managers, chefs and staff who deserve a shoutout for always being amazing and making these events memorable for the guests," says Trufant. "Our partners across campus also have stellar organization, communication and pure skills at their respective jobs, making it easy for us to be out there and pull it off without a hitch." 

For prospective students, Green and White Days is more than an open house. It’s an opportunity to picture themselves as Spartans and begin building a connection with the people, programs and experiences that make Michigan State feel like home. 

Author: Kendal Blanchard