Behind the scenes of Michigan State University’s vibrant campus life is a team that quietly powers the Spartan experience, providing access for thousands: the Spartan Identity Services staff of the MSU ID Office.
While best known for issuing physical Spartan Cards to new students, faculty, staff, and affiliates each year, this small but mighty team manages a wide range of identity services that support every Spartan’s journey.
Enabling Digital Access for All Spartans
Spartan Identity Services plays a critical role in managing NetIDs, MSU’s online credentials that unlock access to university systems like email, D2L, academic platforms, and more. All faculty and staff must engage with the ID Office to activate their NetID, and the team’s expert troubleshooting ensures Spartans stay connected and secure.
Beyond students, faculty, and staff, the team oversees the entire affiliate life cycle. They vet eligibility, create identity records, and provision NetIDs and Spartan Cards for visiting scholars, contractors, and others, ensuring that every member of the MSU community can fully participate in campus life and digital systems.
The Spartan Credential System
Operating out of the MSU ID Office, Spartan Identity Services manages both physical and digital credentials for students, faculty, staff, retirees, and affiliates. The Spartan Card is more than an ID, it’s a key to belonging, access, and daily life at MSU. It unlocks buildings and residence halls, grants access to dining facilities, recreational centers, sporting events, and parking gates. It also enables dining plan purchases, Spartan Cash transactions, and student CATA bus passes.
Collaboration and Communication
As part of MSU IT, the ID Office collaborates with the Office of the Registrar, Residential Housing Services (RHS), Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS), central Human Resources, and other campus partners to deliver seamless service. During Fall Welcome, the MSU IT Service Desk handles ID-related calls so the ID Office can focus on in-person support.
“Our work is strengthened by the collaboration we have with departments and stakeholders across campus,” said ID Office staff member Vertina Henderson. “Whether we’re troubleshooting an issue, streamlining a process, or making Fall Welcome more efficient for students and families, we rely on the expertise and support of our colleagues. And we’re always learning from one another. The resulting process improvements enhance the overall customer experience. It’s something I’m proud to be a part of, and a true reflection of our Spartan Strong spirit.”
Championing Inclusion and Student Wellbeing
In the spring, the ID Office partnered with University Health and Wellbeing on a student-led initiative to include suicide prevention resources on Spartan Cards. Each card now features the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a QR code linking to campus crisis resources, and the message: “You Are Not Alone.”
The team also supports MSU’s commitment to inclusion by allowing all Spartan Card holders to display their chosen names, ensuring that every Spartan feels seen and respected from day one.
A Team That Embodies Spartan Will
Whether preparing for move-in week or coordinating across departments, the Spartan Identity Services staff exemplifies service and adaptability. Their commitment to continuous improvement was evident during 2025 Fall Welcome: more than 2,600 additional incoming students submitted photos for preprinted IDs compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 9,751 IDs preprinted ahead of move-in. The result? Shorter lines and a smoother experience for new Spartans.
“Fall Welcome is the most exciting time at our office,” said ID Office staff member Rosty Chen. “Seeing campus come alive with incoming students moving in, and being able to distribute the Spartan Cards we worked hard on printing all summer is a proud and fulfilling moment that reminds us why our work matters.”
So, the next time you tap your Spartan Card or log in with your NetID, remember the dedicated team behind the scenes powering access, enabling connection, and shaping the Spartan experience.
