MSU Alumni Magazine FAQ

Q: What's the overall mission of the magazine?

A: When we began in 1983, we were given a mandate that still serves us today, and that is "to reflect positively both on Michigan State University and on its alumni." While there was a political context, now obsolete, to that mandate, we believe that there is no contradiction in serving both the university and its alumni--since what's good for one, usually is good for the other. We therefore try to balance our coverage between alumni and university accomplishments, and to cover the wide spectrum of the total MSU community.

Q: What's the format of the magazine?

A: The magazine is divided into departments, which recur in every issue, and feature articles, which vary with every issue. The departments in the newly redesigned magazine include "Upfront" and "Lasting Impressions," photo essays. "In-Basket" features letters to the editor. "Circle Drive" covers stories arising from campus, while "Alma Matters" covers alumni events and stories. "Spartan Profiles" showcase MSU people who have an unusual story to tell. "State's Stars" reflects alumni rising to key positions. "Obituaries" covers deaths of students, alumni and faculty. "Sports" covers our intercollegiate athletics. The features range from issues, trends and personalities to MSU programs. The magazine is four-color throughout.

Q: Do you run class notes?

A: Not per se, although "Spartan Profiles" and "State's Stars" covers similar information. Information sent to us for class notes, however, is sent to the respective colleges and their newsletters and/or publications.

Q: How often does the magazine appear?

A: The magazine is published four times a year. We publish Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer issues.

Q: Who receives the magazine?

A: The magazine reaches about 60,000 readers. It goes to members of the MSU Alumni Association on a one-per-household basis, as well as to major donors who are Benefactors or above, all Michigan legislators and academic and administrative officers on the MSU campus. Membership in the MSU Alumni Association is $45 a year, or $700 lifetime, and is also open to friends of MSU--parents of students, donors, and others who wish to join. We welcome all subscribers.

Q: Who staffs the magazine?

A: The founding editor of the magazine is Robert Bao, who has been editor since 1983 and previously served a stint as assistant editor in 1973-75. David Giordan handles the magazine's design.

Q: Does the magazine have a staff photographer?

A: Not exactly, but the magazine has used many photos taken by MSUAA staff such as Dave Brown and Robert Bao. In addition, the magazine uses photos from University Relations, Instructional Media Center and other sources. Occasionally the magazine will pay for photos from outside sources.

Q: How do I get information to you for one of your magazine sections?

A: Write to Editor, MSU Alumni Magazine, 242 Spartans Way, East Lansing, MI 48824; fax (typed only) to 517-355-5265; e-mail editor@msualum.com; or online. Because of the lead-time required in publishing our magazine, your item may not appear in the next immediate issue. If the item you send us does not appear at all, it was forwarded to the appropriate college for their publications.

Q: How do I write a letter to the editor?

A: Use the same addresses as above. Make sure to type your name, the year(s) you received your degree(s), if applicable, and your current address, phone number, and e-mail address (if you have one). Please keep your letter to 150 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

Q: Where do I send a change of address?

A: Write to Change of Address, MSU Alumni Magazine, 242 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824. Fax (typed only) to 517-355-5265.

Q: Does the magazine accept free-lance stories?

A: Yes, we do. Stories about alumni, however, are likely to be re-edited to fit our format for the "People" section. We are very interested in first person stories documenting a very significant accomplishment-- such as circumnavigating the globe, deciphering the 1996 Russian elections, or recounting your life as superstar. Pieces involving MSU history are also very welcome.

Q: Does the magazine accept advertising?

A: Yes. The magazine accepts display advertising. The MSUAA also accepts banner advertising for our website. To download the advertising media kit, click here or 1-877-MSU-ALUM.

Q: Do you have an advertising policy that bans certain types of ads?

A: As a general rule, the editor reserves the right to reject advertising deemed not consistent with the tenor of the magazine. More specifically, we do not accept ads for alcohol and tobacco products. We also do not accept political or issue-oriented advertising.

If you have further questions, e-mail Bob Bao at editor@msualum.com