EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the Michigan State Spartans begin their spring semester, interim President Teresa Woodruff sent a letter to the MSU community regarding the school’s approach to the anniversary of the tragic school shooting from last February.  

Woodruff’s letter to students.

Dr. Woodruff shared with the MSU community in the letter that she wanted to share some updates regarding the university’s plans for the next month leading up to and past Feb. 13, 2023. 

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“It is important for all of us — myself included — to remember that leading up to Feb. 13, 2024, community members will experience many different emotions,” said Woodruff in the letter. “The planning underway, led by committees including students, staff and faculty, strives to provide space and time for individualized reactions and experiences as we honor those we lost, those injured and all affected by the tragedy that occurred on our campus. Participation in any event is completely voluntary.”

She went on to suggest particular resources to students, and clarify how most classes would work.  

“As a reminder, most courses will not be held Feb. 13, 2024, though the university will remain open to support students and our community,” she wrote. 

Resources and events available to students.

“An evening remembrance gathering will offer members of our campus and local community a place to come together in commemoration, support and recognition of Feb. 13, 2023,” said Woodruff in the letter. “The gathering is scheduled for 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and will take place outdoors north of Spartan Stadium, near The Spartan statue. The event will be open to the public. MSU is working on plans to promote remote engagement with the event as well, and more details will be available soon.” 

The interim MSU president also shared that there will be “reflective spaces” set up around campus for those students “who wish to spend time quietly reflecting safely.” Counselors will be available, but will be non-MSU employees so that “MSU staff can spend this day as they choose.” 

Guidance for spring semester educators.

The Office of the Provost and the Office for Resource and Support Coordination (ORSC) have provided some guidelines to those teaching classes in the spring semester. Some of the recommendations include: 

  • As most classes are canceled on Feb. 13, it will be important to commemorate that day prior to the date.
  • Educators are encouraged to acknowledge the upcoming date and its significance via a one-time statement but avoid constant, regular, or frequent reminders of the impending one-year mark.
  • Validate and respect that students, as well as everyone in our community, will have various reactions to the anniversary, as each person remains on their own individual journeys.

Feb. 13, 2023.

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On the evening of Feb. 13, 2023, a shooter entered the school’s Berkey Hall and began firing at students. He then proceeded to move to the Student Union and shoot more students before leaving the campus shortly before 8:30 p.m. 

Before officers could apprehend him, Anthony McCrae, took his own life in front of law enforcement. 

The shooting killed three students: Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner, and Brian Fraser. 

MSU 2023 school yar begins; Berkey Hall reopened.

Over the summer, MSU President Woodruff announced that the school would be reopening Berkey Hall, which had been closed since the shooting. 

“After conversations and input from those who hold offices in the building, we have decided to make the space available for faculty, academic staff, graduate students, and support staff with existing offices starting this fall,” she said in the letter, “Importantly, students and employees who do not want to reenter the space are not required to do so and may seek out alternative options for the fall through their academic college or unit.”