The College of Arts & Letters (CAL) at Michigan State University is partnering with the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE) to offer experiential learning opportunities to CAL students throughout the academic school year. Students will have the have the opportunity to participate in a community and curriculum through hands-on engagement. Opportunities to learn and explore include: the solar-powered Bailey green house; 10-acre MSU Student Organic Farm; and access to the LEED-certified Bailey Residence Hall and learning spaces.

“Having students from the College of Arts & Letters as part of the RISE community will enrich the interdisciplinary experience of our students by adding the important perspectives we gain from the arts and humanities,” says Dr. Laurie Thorp, Program Director of RISE.

Students ‘get their feet wet and their hands dirty’ while applying their knowledge to real problems and projects on campus, in the community, and globally.

The RISE program is a living-learning program focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. RISE provides students at Michigan State University with the resources to successfully transition from high school to university academic life, as well as a community of peers with shared values and interests.

Students “get their feet wet and their hands dirty” while applying their knowledge to real problems and projects on campus, in the community, and globally.

“The collaboration with the RISE program further deepens our commitment to enhance the student experience here at the College of Arts & Letters,” explains Christopher P. Long, Dean at the College of Arts & Letters. “As MSU continues to develop the next generation of critical thinkers and world citizens, building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world is essential for their education as they assume leadership positions following graduation.”

One current opportunity being offered to CAL students through RISE is The Bailey Tea Project, an initiative for the Bailey GREENhouse and Urban Farm. Students will create a tea blend to add to the Bailey collection that will express the values, goals and stories of CAL & RISE.

Interested students should contact Dr. Laurie Thorp at thorpl@msu.edu by November 20th.