Exploration is a strategy, not a set back.
We’re inviting MSU undergraduates to tell the real story of being an Exploratory Preference student—why exploration matters, how it works, and what it unlocks.
What we’re looking for
From a student perspective, show the value, role, purpose, and lived experience of exploratory majors at MSU. Be candid—include pros and cons, opportunities, barriers, and how advising, campus services, and communities help students move with purpose.
Your submission must include both
- Written Response (choose one)
- Personal essay, reported story, or op-ed (500–900 words)
- Short research brief with data + takeaways (2–3 pages max)
- Creative writing (journalism story, poem, etc.) 600 – 900 words)
- Visual representation (choose one)
- Infographic, poster, photo essay (up to 6 photos), original illustration, or one-page zine
- Short video (max 2 minutes, captions required)
- Slide deck (max 8 slides, designed for public viewing)
- Any other kind of accessible visual story-telling tools.
Make it practical. Show what helped (or would have helped) you or your peers—advising touchpoints, course maps, career exploration, student orgs, internships, reflective tools, or other MSU resources.
Who can submit
- All currently enrolled MSU undergraduates
- Students must have been Exploratory Preference (any college), changed majors to pursue an alternative interest, or be allies/peer mentors who supported students with an exploratory major designation in finding a major and/or career path.
- Applications are for individuals, not groups.
- Applicants must be MSU-enrolled for fall 2025.
How to submit
- Upload your written file (DOCX) and visual component (PDF/PNG/MP4/PPTX) using this Submission Form
- File naming: Lastname_Firstname_EPShowcase_[Title]
- Accessibility: videos should include captions; images must include short alt text; PDFs must be readable/ tagged.
Selection & community voting
- Round 1: The Review Panel screens for clarity, student voice, and impact, as well as alignment with exploratory practices.
- Round 2: Community Vote (digital gallery) Undergraduate Education community members and campus partners vote to identify up to three finalists.
- Finals: Live Showcase — top three present their work (5-7-minute talk + 3-5-minute Q&A, not to exceed a total of 10 minutes) to Undergraduate Education community and MSUFCU sponsors. Scholarships are awarded at the event.
Judging criteria:
- Insight & honesty about exploration (25 points)
- Student voice & authenticity (20 points)
- Practicality for current/future Exploratory Preference students (20 points)
- Visual clarity & design/accessibility (20 points)
- Engagement & community resonance (15 points)
Awards (scholarships)
Multiple award levels will be granted, with scholarships to the top three at the showcase.
- 1st - $1,500
- 2nd - $750
- 3rd - $250; optional People’s Choice $250 (final amounts will be confirmed in award notifications)
Why apply
- You get a chance to help shape the narrative around exploration at a Big Ten university.
- Get your work seen by advisors, faculty, employers, and peers.
- Build portfolio-ready artifacts—design, research, storytelling, and public speaking.
- Earn scholarship support for the insight you bring.
Timeline
- Submissions open: October 10, 2025
- Submission Deadline: November 3, 2025, at 7:59 a.m.
- Round 1 Reviews: November 3 - 7, 2025
- Public voting window: November 10 - 14, 2025
- Live showcase & awards: December 2, 2025, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rules & fine print
- Work must be original and created by the student.
- Consent is required for any identifiable people in visuals; use only rights-cleared media.
- You must note where or if AI was used to generate any part or whole of your resources.
- All stories, narratives, and examples must be true and factual to the student and relevant to your time at MSU.
- By submitting, you grant MSU non-exclusive permission to display your work (with credit) online and at events.
- Scholarships are credited to student accounts and are available only to MSU students.
- This program is made possible with support from MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). MSUFCU may be invited to participate in judging, awards, and media; their name and logo may appear in event promotions.
What a strong entry looks like
- Reality, not brochure-speak. Name the trade-offs (time-to-degree concerns, pressure to “pick fast,” credit loss risks) and the strategies that work (milestone advising, skill-first exploration, meta-majors, career chats, micro-internships).
- Actionable takeaways. A checklist, map, or resource guide that future exploratory preference students can actually use.
- Data with heart. Pair campus stats or labor-market insights with a personal story.
- Design for humans. Clear visuals, inclusive language, and accessible formatting.
Questions?
If you need accessibility accommodations or alternative formats, or have additional questions, please reach out.
Stratton Lee
leestrat@msu.edu
