Tuesday, July 26 @ 6 pm - 8:30 pm
MSP Orientation was for significant others of students attending RVU-SU in both the COM and MSBS program. We welcomed in our new 1st year COM and MSBS members! New members learned about the resources available to them and heard from other spouses and partners of significant others whose student attends RVU-SU. We were able to hold this year's orientation on the RVU-SU campus in the auditorium.
Orientation focused on what MSP is all about and what it has to offer to its members through activities and its resources. As your MSP Presidency 2022-23 we introduced ourselves as well as spoke to our new members about all our social sites and other sources including; our webpage, Facebook, Instagram, monthly newsletters, texting alerts, and many many Facebook sub-groups members could join!
We also provided a brochure this year that included our current presidency members, the next 3 upcoming events, ways to find our social sites, information on MSP as well as an insert card that had resources our members may be eligible for. We also sent around a survey for members to fill out that included information to get to know them, as well as for any ideas on how MSP can better serve them.
New members also learned about students' schedules from Vie Van Noy, MSP Liaison to the school as well as RVU-SU Director of Student Life and Special Events. She also talked about what this schedule means to spouses and partners and what “Golden Weekends” are. (Golden weekends are those possibly free weekends your student MAY have free when they have a test on Friday and nothing pressing coming up on Monday)
Our keynote speaker this year was Sarah Nebeker, a current 4th year COM significant other. She talked about her experience so far being the significant other to a student at RVU-SU as well as what MSP has meant to her. While we had to zoom her in, due to a last minute personal illness, she still was a great choice for our keynote! She emphasized not only on MSP activities but also the “unofficial events and activities” she was invited to and attended with the many friends she has made through MSP.
We also heard from our MSP Activities Chair, Helen Udy, as she talked about past events done by MSP as well as the next 3 upcoming events; Ice Cream Social, Favorite Things, and Resource Night. She also touched a bit on her Activities Committee election coming up for anyone interested in joining.
We heard from our many panelists about finances, daily routine as a significant other, family things to do around St George, things to do around Southern Utah, work life as a significant other, HPSP Program, and transitioning from MSBS to COM.
Jacob Hanberg, a faculty member of the RVU-SU Department of Student Financial Services, spoke to our members about the different financial things to look out for as their student moves through their program. Brady White, an MSP 2nd year, talked about his daily family routine. He has 5 kids and works from home. He talked about how he gets his house in order, takes care of his kids, and continues to work - all while his wife is going through the RVU-SU COM Program. His tips were very helpful for anyone wondering how they were going to navigate being the main parent and running a household for a bit, while their student is in school.
Brady White, an MSP 2nd year, talked about his daily family routine. He has 5 kids and works from home. He talked about how he gets his house in order, takes care of his kids, and continues to work - all while his wife is going through the RVU-SU COM Program. His tips were very helpful for anyone wondering how they were going to navigate being the main parent and running a household for a bit, while their student is in school.
Jessie Sterr, a 3rd year MSP Member, talked to us about all the different things to do around St George that are family friendly. There are SO MANY! Jessie was a great panelist for this, she has 3 kids of her own and they are always out doing something. She shared her favorite parks, splash pads, museums, and other annual events that are must around St George, Utah! If you want to know more read her blog on our website or reach out to her! Things to do Around St. George With Kids!
Larissa Clason, a 4th year MSP member, shared with everyone all the wonderful places to discover here in Southern Utah. She showed so many pictures of amazing hikes, some even to waterfalls. She also mentioned Tuachan, axe throwing, pottery painting, House of Jump and so much more! She loves it down here and if you want to know more about her favorite places or something to do, check out our resource page of Things to do in Southern Utah.
Courtney Muse, a 2nd year MSP member, talked about her work life as a significant other. Her husband went through RVU-SUs MSBS Program, she works as an 8th grade history teacher and they currently have no children. Courtney talked about how she had to learn to become independent since her spouse started a busy school schedule. She explained that being independent doesn't mean you're by yourself. She talked about loving your job and making time for each other, even if it’s small, are both key parts in her healthy balanced work life. Check out her blog post for more! Work Life: Finding Balance
Helen Udy, a 2nd year MSP member, talked about all the different benefits and services that come with having an HPSP student. This stands for Health Professions Scholarship Program which includes students that are part of the Air Force, Navy, and Army. If you’re interested in knowing more, go find her blog post on our website! Beneficial Things to Know as an HPSP Significant Other
Brilee Jones, a former MSBS MSP and current 2nd year MSP Member, spoke about the transition from the MSBS program to the COM program. This is the first full year where MSP is including those significant others with students in the MSBS program. We wanted our members to hear first hand about the differences between the two programs and how to make the transition easier. If you’re interested in hearing more go find Brilee’s blog post on our website! MSBS Transitions
After all our panelists spoke we had a short Q&A to answer any questions that our members had. Once that was concluded our MSP President, KathrAnn Lee, gave some last words of wisdom and we concluded the night with a social gathering in the lobby. We had cookies and members were able to mingle with one another. We also had our MSP Merchandise table available to those interested. It included cute stickers and an RVU-SU wooden ornament.
Huge thank you to our MSP Presidency, Vie and Jacob, are other panelists, and RVU-SU security and IT for making this night possible! Welcome to a great year MSP Members!