There has been a world of changes in the last ten years but what MSU has done best is to balance the need to preserve the good things from its past with the need for significant change and innovation. The campus is constantly alive with a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Activities at the University Center and creation of more lounges and recreation centers there have truly made it the living room of the campus. Expanded intramural programs and cultural and social activities have also added to the variety of students' experiences and the quality of student life. Although there is primary emphasis on academics, the university is also focusing on student socialization and in making their leisure time more enjoyable.
Enrollment is at an all-time high.
MSU has over 20,000 students with almost 15,000 full-time equivalent students attending classes at the main campus and auxiliary sites in the metropolitan area, and thousands more taking courses electronically. Student population is very diverse with over 2,500 international students and a large and growing enrollment of Native American, Hispanic, African American, Asian and other minority students. The new apartment-style student resident buildings have contributed to a record increase in resident students. Ask ten people and you might get ten different answers. A tradition of consultative governance has been firmly ingrained within the University community, contributing to an enhanced commitment among faculty, staff and students to a shared vision of the university.