General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations

Michigan State University reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, and rates for fees, deposits, tuition, and housing. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible.

 

Application Processing Fee

Domestic Undergraduate Applicants	$35.00
International Undergraduate Applicants	$50.00
Graduate Applicants (domestic and international)	$50.00

An application fee, not applicable to any other charge and not refundable, is required of everyone requesting admission as an undergraduate, graduate-professional, or graduate student. Payment must accompany the Internet or paper application which is sent to the Office of Admissions. A person requesting admission as an undergraduate, graduate-professional, or graduate student who is financially unable to submit the application processing fee may request an application fee waiver.

Advanced Enrollment Deposit

$250.00

All entering undergraduate students are required to pay a $250 Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED). Payment by the student confirms acceptance of admission,  reserves the student a place in both the entering class and a residence hall (if student chooses to live on-campus), and allows the student to register for a required Academic Orientation Program which fill on a first-come, first-served basis. An admitted student who is financially unable to submit the AED may request a deferral.  The $250 AED is fully refunded to fall domestic freshmen students who cancel their admission prior to May 1.  There is no refund for other semesters, transfer students or international students.

Each student is assessed charges each semester on the basis of the credit value (or credit value equivalent of zero credit courses) of all courses carried and state residence. Charges will be assessed on a credit hour basis, except for graduate-professional student fees which are assessed on a semester basis and some graduate student fees which are assessed on a semester or program basis.

If there is any question of the student's right to an in-state classification, it is the student's responsibility to discuss it with the Associate Registrar in charge of Registration and Residency at least one month before enrolling.

As amended by the Board of Trustees in the 2008-09 Budget Guidelines. Amounts subject to change for 2008-09 and future years.

On-Campus Course Fees and Tuition

Undergraduate

Michigan Resident Course Fees

Lower Division2(Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$314.75
Lower Division2(continuing)	$290.25
Upper Division2(Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$346.75
Upper Division2(continuing)	$322.00
Online Accelerated Nursing BSN (Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$481.00
Online Accelerated Nursing BSN (continuing)	$462.00

Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition

Lower Division2(Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$836.25
Lower Division2(continuing)	$811.50
Upper Division2(Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$864.00
Upper Division2(continuing)	$839.25
Online Accelerated Nursing BSN (Admitted Fall 2005 or after)	$506.00
Online Accelerated Nursing BSN (continuing)	$487.00

Graduate

Michigan Resident Course Fees

Masters and Doctoral Programs2	$439.25
M.S. in Accounting	$604.75
M.A. and M.S. in Education	$472.25
Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Education	$472.25
Broad MBA Program1(semester)	$10,341.00
MBA Executive Program1 (program)	$76,000.00
M.S. in Supply Chain Management1 (program - Summer 2007 cohort)	$41,500.00

Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition

Masters and Doctoral Programs2	$903.50
M.S. in Accounting	$1,105.50
M.A. and M.S. in Education	$936.50
Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Education	$936.50
Broad MBA Program1 (semester)	$14,751.00
MBA Executive Program1 (program)	$84,300.00
M.S. in Supply Chain Management1 (program - Summer 2007 cohort)	$43,250.00

 Online  Masters Programs

M.S.N. in Nursing Education (In State)	$539.25
M.S.N. in Nursing Education (Out-of-State)	$564.25
M.S.N. in Nursing Management (In State)	$446.75
M.S.N. in Nursing Management (Out-of-State)	$471.75
M.A. in Education	$585.00
M.S. in Packaging	$585.00
M.S. in Criminal Justice	$520.00
M.S. in Food Safety	$500.00
M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences	$574.75
M.A. or Certificate in Youth Development3	$415.00

Graduate-Professional ¹

Veterinary Medicine

Michigan Resident Course Fees (semester)	$10,361.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition (semester)	$21,527.00

Veterinary Medicine Clinical Year 

Michigan Resident Course Fees (semester)	$9,161.00
Michigan Resident Course Fees (Summer semester)	$6,492.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition (semester)	$19,165.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees (Summer semester)	$12,788.00

Medical Student in College of Human or Osteopathic Medicine

Michigan Resident Course Fees (semester)	$10,258.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition (semester)	$22,136.00

Extended Curriculum Program, Medical Student in College of Human or Osteopathic Medicine

Michigan Resident Course Fees	$7,029.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition	$14,952.00

Dual Degree Medical Scientist Training Program Medical Student in College of Human or Osteopathic Medicine

Michigan Resident Course Fees	$7,141.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition	$15,012.00

Medical Student in College of Veterinary Medicine

Michigan Resident Course Fees	$6,732.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition	$13,681.00

Teacher Certification Internship Year

Michigan Resident Course Fees (semester)	$5,129.00
Out-of-State Resident Course Fees and Tuition (semester)	$9,944.00

 

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¹Includes mandatory fees.

²Other than the programs listed below.

³Non-M.A. and non-certificate students taking courses offered by another institution via the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education
     Alliance (GP-IDEA) will be charged the common price.

 

Students pursuing Graduate Certification are assessed course fees of $439.25 per credit. Graduate Certification students are not assessed matriculation fees, the energy charge, or student taxes. All international students are assessed an International Student Registration Fee of $25 per semester.

 

Undergraduate and graduate Lifelong Education students  are assessed course fees of $439.25 per credit. Lifelong Education students are not assessed matriculation fees, the energy charge, or student taxes. Certain lifelong-education online university courses may be assessed additional tuition fees of $100-150 per credit hour. All International students are assessed an International Student Registration Fee of $25.00 per semester.

 

All doctoral students must register and pay for a minimum of 24 credits of doctoral dissertation research (course number 999).

 

All students using university services (faculty consultation included) must be registered each semester. Minimum registration consists of one course, one credit. A student enrolling for one or more credits is assessed the registration fee.

If a graduate student has previously registered for the minimum number of credits required for master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research, but has not completed the other requirements for the degree and continues to study using university facilities and/or faculty service to take examinations, complete the thesis or dissertation requirements, etc., the student must enroll and pay the minimum registration fee.

Late Enrollment

Fall and Spring Semesters:

Continuing students who do not enroll prior to the initial enrollment deadline	$50.00
Students who initially enroll after the start of classes but before the middle of the semester	$100.00
Students initially enrolling after the middle of the semester	$200.00

Summer Sessions:

Continuing students who do not enroll prior to the first day of their class	$50.00
Students who enroll for a class after the midterm of the term of instruction of their course	$100.00

Enrollment After the End of the Term of Instruction Initial Enrollment and Course Add Fees:

Students initially enrolling after the last class day of the term of instruction	$300.00
Fee for each course added to the academic record after the last class day of the term of instruction	$200.00

These fees do not apply to students enrolling under the Lifelong Education enrollment status.

Late Registration Fees

Students who fail to return their payments or confirm their attendance (if no payment is required) by the registration bill due date will be assessed a late registration fee.  If your Minimum Amount Due (MAD) is $0.00, you must respond to the registration bill by confirming your attendance in STUINFO.  Failure to make payment by the due date will result in a $50 Late Registration Fee.  Failure to respond to a $0.00 MAD by confirming your attendance in STUINFO will result in a $20 Late Registration Fee.

Bad Check and Late Payment Charges (Includes rejected electronic checks, i.e. ACH)

This fee is assessed as the result of:
A registration check/ACH or charge not clearing the bank when it is first presented	$70.00
A non-registration check/ACH or charge not clearing the bank when it is first presented	$25.00
Student Receivable or short term loan account payments being made after the due date	$20.00

 

Matriculation Fees and Energy Fee¹

For students enrolling for more than 4 credits	$447.50
For students enrolling for 4 credits or less	$315.50

Engineering Program Fee¹

For students enrolling for more than 4 credits	$475.00
For students enrolling for 4 credits or less	$289.00
Graduate and upper-division undergraduate students majoring in Engineering are assessed this fee. There is no fee assessed for students enrolling for 4 credits or less during summer session.

Science and Technology Program Fee

For students enrolling for more than 4 credits	$100.00
For students enrolling for 4 credits or less	$50.00
Juniors and seniors majoring in science and technology intensive majors.

Health Science Program Fee

For students enrolling for more than 4 credits	$100.00
For students enrolling for 4 credits or less	$50.00
Juniors and seniors majoring in health science majors.

Broad College of Business Program Fee

For students enrolling for more than 4 credits	$200.00
For students enrolling for 4 credits or less	$100.00
Juniors and seniors in the Broad College of Business.

International Student Registration Fee1

$25.00

^{Student Taxes}

Undergraduate Students (ASMSU)	$16.75
Graduate Students (COGS)2	$7.25
Graduate-Professional Medical Students (COGS and COMS)3	$8.75
FM Radio Tax (All students)	$3.00

State News

All students who are assessed fees for 6 credits or more

$5.00

James Madison College Orientation Reading Section fee for James Madison College 201

(Fall only)(determined annually) approx.

$5.00-20.00

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 ¹   The Matriculation Fees, Energy Charge, major specific program fees, and International Student Registration Fee are refunded in the
        same percentage as course fees when withdrawing from the University or dropping from above 4 credits to 4 credits or less.
²   The COGS tax for summer session is $4.50.
³   The COGS and COMS tax for summer session is $6.00.
⁴   The part-time Engineering Program Fee for Summer is $0.

The rates listed below are for the 2009-2010 academic year. In addition, students living in undergraduate housing will be charged a Residence Halls Association tax of $25.00 per semester.  Students living in Owen Graduate Hall will be assessed a $5.00 Owen Graduate Association tax per semester, and students in University Apartments will be charged a University Apartments Council of Residents tax of $3.00 per semester.

Dining Service for 2009-2010 includes expanded serving hours of 7:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, in at least one location per residential zone (East, South, Brody, West Circle, and Red Cedar). Choices include cooked-to-order stations, retail coffee shops, grab-n-go options, pizza and subs, as well as new selections reflecting emerging dining trends. Note: All plans include use of TOTALLY TAKE OUT (carry-out dining service located in some residence halls).

    Silver Plan - Anytime access. This is the base plan.
    Gold Plan - Anytime access, four guest meal passes and $150 per semester in Spartan Cash.
    Platinum Plan - Anytime access, eight guest meal passes and $300 per semester in Spartan Cash.
    5 Day Plan - Anytime access, Monday-Friday and $100 per semester in Spartan Cash.

Residence Halls — Room and Board (Per Semester)^{1, 2, 3}

Double Room (per person)	Silver	Gold	Platinum	5 Day
Room rates	$1,526	$1,526	$1,526	$1,526
Board rates	$2,171	$2,321	$2,471	$2,171
Total	$3,697	$3,847	$3,997	$3,697

*  Designated Single Room (add $1,336 per semester)
    Permanent Single Room (add $820 per semester)

Owen Graduate Hall (Per Semester)^1,2,5

Double Room (per person)			$2,802.00
Permanent Single Room			$3,272.00
Designated Single Room			$3,687.00

For more information on residence halls, visit www.hfs.msu.edu/uh.

University Apartments (monthly rates)^2,4,6

One Bedroom			$700.00
One Bedroom (renovated)			$767.00
Two Bedroom			$744.00
Two Bedroom (renovated)			$857.00

University Village Apartments (monthly rates)

Four Bedroom (Per Resident)

$663.00

For more information on MSU apartments, including furnishings and regulations visit www.hfs.msu.edu/uh.

  

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 ¹    Although these rates are for each semester, the Housing Contract is signed for the entire academic year. To determine costs for the
        academic year, multiply the rate by two.
²    The Housing Contract details the contract termination procedure. Further appeals shall be subject to judicial review as provided in 
        Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University.
³    Rates do not include resident student government taxes of $25.00 per semester for undergraduate students who live in residence halls. 
⁴    Quoted rates are student rates.
⁵    Rates include $350.00 cafeteria credit but do not include student government taxes of $5.00 per semester for students who live in the 
        graduate hall.
⁶    Rates do not include $3.00 per semester for University Apartments Council of Residents tax. The University Apartments Council of 
        Residents tax for Summer session is $2.00.

Field Trips

Certain courses require field trips. The costs must be borne by the participating students in addition to the usual course fees.

Administrative Fee for Sponsored International Students

For administration and services (per semester)

$350.00

No fee collected for Summer Session.

Health Insurance Program for International Students and Students in the Colleges of Human, Osteopathic and Veterinary Medicine Health

International students and students in the Colleges of Human, Osteopathic and Veterinary Medicine are required to purchase the Michigan State University health insurance plan unless they have other comparable insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage is provided from August 15 through August 14. Insurance premiums for student annual coverage are collected in two installments.

Fall 2008 Registration Billing Statement:	International Student	$458
	Medical Student	$522
Spring 2009 Registration Billing Statement:	International Student	$763
	Medical Student	$868

These amounts are included in the Minimum Amount Due on the Registration Bill and must be paid to complete registration.
Insurance premiums for coverage of spouse/dependents are to be paid directly to the insurance company.  Students may waive
the MSU  plan (within certain deadlines) by providing proof of comparable health insurance coverage through another plan.
For information on waivers and spouse/dependent coverage, contact the MSU Benefits Office, 140 Nisbet Building, 1-517-353-4434
or e-mail Student Insurance at studentinsurance@hr.msu.edu.

2008-2009 Annual Premium Rates	Domestic Student	International Student
Student	$1,390.00	$1,221.00
Student/Spouse	$5,398.00	$5,229.00
Student/Spouse, One Child	$7,550.00	$7,381.00
Student/Spouse, Two or More Children	$10,545.00	$10,376.00
Student, One Child	$3,542.00	$3,373.00
Student, All Children	$4,385.00	$5,229.00

Note: Premiums are subject to change each academic year.

Student Motor Vehicle Registration^{2, 3}

Vehicles operated or parked on MSU property by MSU students must be registered with the MSU Parking Office. Failure to do so may result in parking violations or vehicle impoundment. Visit www.police.msu.edu to register your vehicle and to view the Student Parking and Driving Regulations. Refer to Web site for dates to register vehicles.

2009-2010 VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES

Resident Student (by lot location) (Year)	$111.00-268.00
Graduate Assistant (Semester)	$111.00
Commuter Student (Year)	$89.00
University Apartment Residents (Year)	$111.00

Student Bicycle Registration

Any bicycle possessed or operated on campus must be registered, parked and locked at a bike rack and in operable condition; otherwise, it may be impounded and fees assessed to retrieve it. MSU, City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Lansing Township and Meridian Township permits are acceptable. Permits must be current, valid and adhered to the bicycle frame's post below the seat, facing the handlebars. Failure to properly display and/or affix the permit may result in bicycle impoundment. Visit www.police.msu.edu to register your bike (make, color and serial number must be included). There is no charge to you for the permit.

Campus Bus Service⁴

All campus bus service is provided by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) . CATA  bus service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to all University apartments, residence halls, commuter lots, and the main campus during fall and spring semesters.

Single ride-with valid MSU ID	$0.60
Student 31 Day Pass	$18.00
Student Semester Pass	$50.00
Student 10 Ride Card	$6.00
Commuter Lot Route Pass (Semester)	$20.00
Commuter Lot Route Pass (Two-Semester)	$33.00

All fares and passes (with the exception of the Commuter Lot Route pass) are good for all on and off-campus fixed route transit service
     in the greater Lansing area with CATA.
Passes are sold at most residence halls, Union Store, and University Apartment Manager’s Office.
Paratransit Service is curb-to-curb service designed for persons with disabilities. The CATA cash fare for this service is $2.00 per trip.
    Discount fare cards are available for certified students through MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Visit CATA’s Web site for the latest information on passes, routes, and services: www.cata.org.

Spartan Marching Band Fees

Uniform Cleaning (annually)				$15.00
Gloves (per pair)				$3.00
Shoes				$37.00
Locker Rental (optional)				$10.00
Marching Band T-Shirt				$10.00

Charges are listed in the Marching Band Handbook sent to qualifying students.

Certified Copy of Diploma		$5.00
Duplicate or Replacement Diploma		$50.00
Transcript		$5.00
Microfilming and Binding Fee for Master's Thesis		$95.00
Microfilming and Binding Fee for Doctoral Dissertation		$105.00
Copyright Fee for Master's Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation		$65.00

    This optional fee covers the cost of supplying a microfilm copy of the thesis or dissertation
     to the Library of Congress and copyright processing.

Student Activity Admission

Student discounts on tickets at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts:

MSU students are able, WHEN APPLICABLE, to purchase up to two $15.00 Performing Art Series and up to two $25.00 MSU Federal Credit Union Broadway tickets per valid ID.

Athletic Event Admission

Students who are assessed fees for 12 or more credits (6 or more credits for doctoral students) are eligible for:

• Student discounts on football, basketball, and/or hockey season tickets for themselves and their spouses.
•  Free admission to MSU Olympic Sports regular-season, non-championship home games when presenting a current MSU Student ID card.

 

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¹    For additional information refer to Student Health Service at Olin Health Center  in this section and in the Other Departments and Offices 
        for Research and Services section of this catalog.
²    Permits purchased subsequent to Fall semester are reduced in price proportionately.
³    Freshmen residing in Residence Halls are not eligible to operate a motor vehicle on campus.
⁴    For additional information refer to the Transportation Services on Campus section of this catalog.

 

If a student withdraws from the university or drops a course, the refund policy will be:

1. For changes made through the first ¼ of the term of instruction (measured in weekdays, not class days), 100 percent of the semester course fees and tuition for the net credits dropped will be refunded.
2. For changes made after the first ¼ of the term of instruction and through the end of the session, no refund will be made for any credits dropped.  Any courses approved for late add will be billed in the next monthly bill.

When dropping a course, the date the notification from the department is received in the Office of the Registrar will determine the amount of refund applicable.

Appeals concerning the refund policy should be referred to the Office of the Registrar.

Net refunds due to a drop of credits or withdrawal from the university are processed daily and posted to students' accounts. Amounts due students will be applied against outstanding balances owed the University or returned to students. Questions regarding account balances should be referred to the Student Accounts Office, 140 Administration Building.

 

Dropping Credits

1. Students may be billed for a portion or all of their financial aid awards if they drop credits or do not carry the minimum number of credits required for aid eligibility.
2. The value of Federal Pell Grant, Michigan State University Student Aid Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Michigan Competitive Scholarship is determined each semester at the end of the 100 percent refund period (first ¼ of the term of instruction). Students will be billed for aid adjustments caused by the changes in enrollment status.

Withdrawal from the University

1. In addition to billing for the dropping of credits associated with withdrawal, there may be additional billing, particularly if a student has received federal financial aid funds (including Federal Stafford Loan), which were to have covered the entire semester educational costs. Refer to the next section for more detailed information on Title IV withdrawal refund rules.
       Withdrawal up until the end of the first quarter of the term of instruction will result in 100 percent billing of federal grant aid (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Pell Grant) and Michigan Competitive Scholarship and may also result in a partial or complete billing of loan aid (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan, and other financial aid).
2. The bill calculated as a result of withdrawal will depend on the official date of withdrawal and/or the last date of attendance and the percentage and amount of institutional refund to be received.
3. Withdrawal for any semester during the regular academic year may result in cancellation of a student's financial aid award for the remainder of the academic year. If a student wishes to reapply for funds for spring semester, a written request must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 30 days of withdrawing from the university.

Return of Funds Policy for Title IV Aid Recipients Who Withdraw

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 set forth regulations governing the treatment of Title IV funds when a student withdraws from an institution.

When a student withdraws during an enrollment period in which they have begun attendance and received federal Title IV financial aid, Michigan State University is required to determine the amount of earned and unearned Title IV aid. A student is only eligible to retain the percentage of Title IV aid disbursed that is equal to the percentage of the enrollment period that was completed by the student (calculated daily). The unearned Title IV aid must then be returned to the appropriate federal aid program(s). If more than 60% of the enrollment period has been completed by the student, no Title IV aid needs to be returned.

According to university policy, when a student withdraws prior to the quarter of the semester and/or receives a 100% tuition refund from the University, all of that semester's federal Title IV grant aid (SEOG-Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant) will be billed back to the student's account. Most non-federal aid will also be billed back to the student's account. All Title IV aid will be included in the calculations outlined below. Depending on the results of the calculation, some or all of the federal grant aid may be re-disbursed to the student account.

The following steps will be followed when determining the amount of Title IV aid to be returned upon withdrawal:

1. Determine percentage of enrollment period completed by student. Divide the number of days attended by the number of days in the enrollment period. If the calculated percentage exceeds 60%, then the student has earned all Title IV aid for the enrollment period.
2. Calculate the amount of earned Title IV aid. Multiply the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the total Title IV aid disbursed (or could have been disbursed as defined by late disbursement rules).
3. Determine amount of unearned aid to be returned to Title IV aid program accounts. Subtract the amount of earned federal aid from the total amount of federal aid disbursed. The difference must be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program(s).
4. Return of Title IV funds by institution and student.
   a.     Michigan State University will return unearned Title IV aid up to an   amount that is equal to the total institutional   charges for the payment period 
           multiplied by the  percentage of the Title IV aid that was unearned.   Generally, a student's tuition and fee refund   and/or University
           Housing refund will satisfy   this liability. On occasion, however, particularly   when the student remains in University Housing
           beyond the withdrawal date, a bill will result.
   b.    The student will be responsible for the balance of unearned Title IV aid. In most cases, this will be the amount of federal aid funds
           a student received in the form of a refund for non-institutional expenses multiplied by the percentage of Title IV aid that was 
           unearned.
           (1)    If the student's portion of aid to be returned is a loan, then the student is not immediately required to repay the loan. The
                    terms of the original loan repayment agreement will apply.
           (2)    If the student's portion of aid to be returned is an overpayment of a grant, the student is required to only repay 50 percent of
                    the grant overpayment. Michigan State University will restore the grant funds to the appropriate federal account, with a
                    resulting charge to the student's account. The student will be responsible for repaying Michigan State University for the grant 
                    overpayment.
5. Unearned Title IV Funds will be returned to federal programs in the following order:
   Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
   Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
   Federal Perkins Loans
   Federal Parent PLUS Loan
   Federal Pell Grants
   Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Title IV Aid and Unofficial Withdrawals

If a student begins to attend class, receives federal Title IV aid, but then ceases to attend class without providing official notification to the university, the federal government considers this to be an "unofficial withdrawal." For Title IV purposes, the withdrawal date for students who unofficially withdraw is considered to be the midpoint of the semester unless a documented last date of attendance can be determined. However, if the university determines that a student did not provide official notice of the intent to withdraw due to illness, accident, grievous personal loss or other circumstances beyond the student's control, the university may use a date that is related to that circumstance. The refund rules for Title IV aid recipients who withdraw are then followed to determine the unearned portion of Title IV aid that must be returned to the appropriate aid program(s).

Example of a Title IV return of funds calculation for a Title IV recipient who withdraws:

Institutional Charges    $5,000

Title IV Loans                 $2,000
Title IV Grants                $1,000
Total Title IV Aid             $3,000

Student withdrew on 35th day of a 110-day enrollment period

Percent Earned                   35/110 = 32%
Percent Unearned              100% - 32% = 68%
Amount of Title IV Aid
 Unearned                            $3,000 x 68% = $2,040

Michigan State University is responsible for returning the lesser of unearned Title IV aid ($2,040 from above) or unearned institutional charges ($5,000 x 68% = $3,400). Michigan State University will return aid as follows:

Title IV Loans   $2,000 (student's remaining loan debt = 0)
Title IV Grants  $40

The student's responsibility is amount of aid unearned ($2,040) less school responsibility ($2,040), which is zero.

The example shown above does not reflect every student refund situation that may exist. More detailed calculation examples are available in the Student Accounts Office, 140 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, 1-517-355-5050, Fax 1-517-353-9640. Questions regarding the Return of Title IV Funds Policy for students who withdraw should be addressed to the Student Accounts Office.

The university reserves the right to amend the Title IV Return of Funds Policy at any time in order to comply with Federal regulations.

Refund Rules for Other Fees, Taxes, Assessments

The Registration Fee, Engineering Program Fee, and the Infrastructure/Technology Support Fees or the differential is refunded in the same percentage as course fees when withdrawing from the University or dropping from above 4 credits to 4 credits or less.

Student government taxes, FM Radio tax, and The State News assessments are refundable upon presentation of the appropriate receipt at the respective organization's office.

Late registration fees will not be refunded.

Residence hall housing fees are refunded on a pro-rata basis, based on certain variables.  Generally, the cost of the room will be prorated as of the day following departure and meals will be prorated based on number of meals eaten and/or day of departure. Details and procedures are found in the Housing Contract.

University apartment rent refunds are pro-rated from the day following the official check-out time.

In general, all fees collected by Michigan State University and their respective refund policies shall be subject to judicial review as provided in Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University.

1. Each student of Michigan State University is issued an identification (ID) card following initial enrollment.
2. The ID card is the property of Michigan State University.
3. Library privileges, access to university buildings, facilities and classrooms, and purchase of tickets and entry into athletic and entertainment events may require the possession and presentation of the ID card upon request.
4. Alteration, falsification, or misuse of the ID card is a violation of General Student Regulation 5.00 and other regulations as applicable.

 

1. Each student is responsible for all use of the ID card whether authorized or unauthorized. The ID card should not be loaned, or left where it might be used by an unauthorized person.
2. In case the ID card is lost, the Office of the Registrar 1-517-355-3300 and the main Library 1-517-355-2333 should be immediately contacted. Each student is responsible for all materials checked out of the libraries with the ID card.
3. Replacement Costs
   Lost Card -   $20.00
   Electronically unreadable, damaged, or stolen card (with police report) - no charge

Replacement ID cards are made in the Office of the Registrar, 50 Administration Building. Pictured ID is required. The charge will be applied to a student receivable account

 

Spouses of registered students may obtain IDs entitling them to certain privileges. The student and spouse must appear in person in 50 Administration Building and present the student’s Michigan State University ID and proof of marriage. There is no charge.

 

A.    AUTHORITY FOR HOLD USE

1. Financial Holds
   The Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer is responsible for the collection, custody, and accounting for all monies due the University. Holds may be employed to collect any financial obligations due to the University's operating funds or to student loan funds.
2. Judicial Holds
   The procedures for student discipline are specified in Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University, Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities. Administrative officers and judicial bodies are specifically authorized under this administrative ruling to request of the Provost or the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services the use of the judicial hold to enforce a 'suspension' decision against a student, and to contact a student to notify him or her of an alleged violation of a regulation and pending judicial or administrative proceedings.
3. Academic Holds
   Academic holds are used to assure that students abide by reasonable rules and regulations as a condition of admission to and retention in the University. Agencies of the University and academic administrators are authorized under this administrative ruling to initiate use of the academic hold for this purpose.
4. Administrative Holds
   Administrative holds are also used to assure that students abide by reasonable rules and regulations as a condition of admission to and retention in the University. Agencies of the University and academic administrators are authorized under this administrative ruling to initiate use of the administrative hold for this purpose.

B.    CRITERIA FOR HOLD USE

1. Financial Holds
   Criteria for use of the financial hold shall be as follows:
   1. Holds may be employed to collect any financial obligations due to the University's operating funds or to student loan funds.
      Examples of these obligations are: student tuition, residence hall room and board, deferred payments, traffic violations, charges for damages to University property, University housing apartment rent, past due loans, library fines, bad checks cashed by students or presented in payment of student indebtedness, charges originating in various operating units (such as the Health Center, MSU Union, Veterinary Clinic, etc.), overdrafts in student organizations accounts, etc.
   2. Holds may not be used for collection of debts owed to any non-University agency. For purposes of this administrative ruling,
      registered student organizations, student government organizations, and student newspapers are defined as non-University
      agencies. (Exception:  ASMSU Student Loan Fund.)
   3. Except in the case of bad checks, holds may be used only in those cases in which the student has been given or sent adequate notice of his or her indebtedness and warning of hold use prior to issuance of the hold.
   4. A current list of all University agencies authorized by the Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer to issue
      financial holds shall be maintained by the Student Receivables Division, Controller's Office.
   5. Students are entitled to appeal the legitimacy of charges placed against them through established due process procedures.
      Students are expected to exercise these rights at the time of original notification of indebtedness.
   6. A student will not be permitted to enroll for courses, be registered, be readmitted to the University, have an application for
      admission to a new program of study processed, or receive services such as transcripts and diplomas, if a financial hold has
      been placed on the student. Additionally, in some circumstances, financial aid processing may be withheld if a financial hold has been placed.
   7. If a student has enrolled for courses and has not paid the financial obligation which created the financial hold by a specified due date, the student will be dropped from the courses in which he/she is enrolled.
2. Judicial Holds
   Judicial bodies and administrative officers may make use of judicial holds in two cases:
   1. Holds may be issued against a student who has been suspended, under the procedures outlined in Academic Freedom for
      Students at Michigan State University, Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, or Medical Student Rights and 
      Responsibilities, to prevent the student's reenrollment and/or registration.
   2. Holds may be issued against a student in order to require the student to appear at an administrator's office so that the student
      can be provided with a written statement of an alleged violation of regulations and impending judicial or administrative
      proceedings when attempts to reach the student by certified mail and by telephone have proven unsuccessful.
   3. A judicial hold may prevent a student from being readmitted to the University, having an application for admission to a new
      program of study processed, enrolling in courses, and registering (paying of fees) depending upon the time within the academic semester when the hold is placed.
   4. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services or the Office of the Provost shall authorize each instance of judicial holds under the terms of the criteria in the above sections.
3. Academic Holds
   1. The Provost and College deans and their designees are authorized to issue an academic hold which prevents a student from
      enrolling in courses and registering (paying of fees) because the student (1) has not met or needs to complete an academic
      requirement, e.g., has not declared a major, has failed to meet conditions of reinstatement or readmission, has failed to take the international student English proficiency test, has failed to supply required transcripts; (2) has been recessed or dismissed; (3) needs to see an academic advisor due to academic-related issues; or (4) has not met or needs to complete a recognized obligation incurred in the regular course of an academic program or in using an academic service.
   2. The student shall have had reasonable opportunity to be informed of and to comply with the academic requirement and shall have been given or sent warning prior to issuance of a hold.
   3. To ensure that the above conditions and criteria are being met, the persons and agencies authorized to issue academic holds
      shall provide a copy of their hold use procedures to the Office of the Provost for review and approval.
4. Administrative Holds
   1. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services will authorize agencies which may place an administrative hold which prevents students from enrolling in courses and registering (payment of fees) and/or financial aid processing.
      Administrative holds are placed on students who have failed to meet a requirement which has been established by University
      policy or regulation such as, but not limited to, financial aid requirements, student housing policy, and international student health insurance. Within this category are those regulations with which a student must comply prior to enrollment. A current list of all University agencies authorized by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services to issue administrative holds shall be maintained by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.
   2. The student shall have had reasonable opportunity to be informed of and to comply with the administrative requirement and shall have been given or sent warning prior to issuance of a hold.
   3. To ensure that the above conditions and criteria are being met, the persons and agencies authorized to issue administrative 
      holds shall provide a copy of their hold use procedures to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services for 
      review and approval.

C.    FURTHER GENERAL STIPULATIONS

1. Agencies and authorized personnel of the University shall make every effort to minimize the use of holds and shall employ alternative methods to accomplish their purposes whenever feasible.
2. Procedures for financial hold use shall be developed by the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer. Procedures for judicial hold use shall be developed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services and the Office of the Provost. Procedures for academic hold use shall be developed by the Office of the Provost. Procedures for administrative hold use shall be developed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services. All procedures shall include provision for the following:
   1. Adequate prior notice to the student (including all pertinent details) of pending placement of a hold, prior to issuance except in the case of bad checks.
   2. Procedures for the student to challenge the placement of a hold, prior to the issuance of a hold.
   3. While a student is in the process of appealing the case in question, the hold will not be issued.
   4. Review by the offices responsible for developing hold use procedures to ensure that the administrative ruling on holds is being accurately and consistently followed.
3. When a student has satisfied the conditions which precipitated a hold, the responsible agency or administrator placing the hold will ensure that the hold is removed.

D.    JUDICIAL REVIEW
        This administrative ruling and all procedures and administrative decisions stemming therefrom shall be subject to judicial review as
        provided in Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University.

A person enrolling at Michigan State University shall be classified as an in-state or out-of-state student for the purposes of administering admission, fees, and tuition charges. It is the student's responsibility to register under the proper in-state or out-of-state classification. If a student has a question regarding his/her classification, the student should contact the Associate Registrar for Registration Services at least one month before registering.

The following regulations set forth the major points governing determination of in-state and out-of-state status and the payment of out-of-state tuition.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
   1. Students who are domiciled in Michigan are eligible to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes.
      1. For University purposes, “domicile” is defined as the place where an individual intends his/her true, fixed and permanent home and principal establishment to be, and to which the individual intends to return whenever he/she is absent from the University.
      2. An individual whose activities and circumstances, as documented to the University, demonstrate that he/she is domiciled in Michigan will be eligible for classification as an in-state student. An individual whose presence in the state is based on activities or circumstances that are indeterminate or temporary, such as (but not limited to) educational pursuits, will be presumed not to be domiciled in Michigan and will be classified as out-of-state. In order to rebut this presumption, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he/she is domiciled in Michigan and, thus, eligible for in-state classification.
   2. For tuition classification purposes:
      1. A student is presumed to be a dependent of his/her parents if the student is 24 years of age or younger and (a) has been involved primarily in educational pursuits, or (b) has not been entirely financially self-supporting through employment.
      2. The domicile of a dependent student is presumed to be the same as that of the student's natural parents. If only one natural parent is domiciled in Michigan, the student will be presumed to be a Michigan domiciliary regardless of whether that parent is the student's custodial parent.
      3. The domicile of a dependent student's legal guardian will be presumed to have the same evidentiary effect as that of a dependent student's natural parent, and references to parents in these regulations shall include legal guardians, only when (a) the student is the dependent of the legal guardian, and (b) such guardianship has been established due to the complete incapacity or death of the student's natural parent(s). A parent's inability to provide funds necessary to support a college education shall not qualify as complete incapacity. 
   3. Before it grants a student in-state status for tuition purposes, the University will usually require that student to have continuously resided in Michigan for one year immediately preceding the first day of classes of the term in which the student is applying for in-state classification. The year of continuous presence is never the only criterion used for determining in-state classification and, in itself, will not qualify a student for in-state status. Nor will a student's failure to have continuously resided in Michigan for one year automatically prevent the student from obtaining in-state status. If the student presents clear and convincing evidence which demonstrates the establishment by the student of a Michigan domicile, the student will be eligible for in-state classification even if the student has not resided in Michigan continuously for one year prior to the first day of classes in the applicable term.
2. ESTABLISHING MICHIGAN DOMICILE
   An applicant or student may provide any and all evidence that he/she believes will prove that he/she is domiciled in Michigan. No one type of evidence will be considered dispositive of the issue of domicile. Rather the University will consider all of the evidence provided to it concerning a claim of domicile.
   • Circumstances which may demonstrate Michigan domicile. The following circumstances and activities, though not conclusive, may lend support to a claim to eligibility for in-state classification. This is not an exhaustive list.
     • In the case of a dependent student, at least one parent domiciled in Michigan, as demonstrated by the parent's permanent employment, establishment of a household and severance of out-of-state ties.
     • Student employed in Michigan in a full-time, permanent job, provided that the student's employment is the primary purpose for the student's presence in Michigan.
     • Student's spouse employed in Michigan in a full-time, permanent job, provided that the spouse's  employment is the primary purpose for the student's presence in Michigan.
   • Circumstances which do not demonstrate Michigan domicile. The circumstances and activities listed below are temporary or indeterminate and, in and of themselves, do not demonstrate domicile in Michigan:
     • Enrollment in a Michigan high school, community college or university
     • Employment in Michigan that is temporary or short-term
     • Military assignment in Michigan
     • Employment in Michigan in a position normally held by a student
     • Ownership of property in Michigan
     • Presence of relatives (other than parent for a dependent) in Michigan
     • Possession of a Michigan driver's license or voter's registration
     • Payment of Michigan income or property taxes
     • The student's statement of intent to be domiciled in Michigan 
3. PRESUMPTIONS OF IN-STATE CLASSIFICATION
   A student will be presumed eligible for in-state classification in the following circumstances:
   1. If a student, the spouse of a student, or the parent of a dependent student, is an active member of the regular armed forces who maintains Michigan as his/her official home of record, is registered to vote in Michigan and files a Michigan income tax return as a resident, the student shall be classified  as in-state.
   2. If a student,  or the parent of a dependent student, is domiciled in Michigan but has been temporarily transferred outside Michigan by his/her employer (but has not become domiciled outside Michigan), the student shall be classified as in-state.
   3. If a student, or the parent of a dependent student, is a missionary funded by  a Michigan church, and the student or parent was 
      domiciled in Michigan at the time he/she went on the mission, the student shall be classified as in-state.
   4. If the parent of a dependent student, or an independent student (as defined by The Higher Education Act of 1965, section 480(d)), has been employed as a migrant worker in Michigan for a minimum of two (2) months each year for three (3) of the five (5) years prior to the date of the proposed in-state classification or for a minimum of three (3) months each year for two (2) of the five (5) years prior to the date of the proposed in-state classification, the student shall be classified as in-state. Proof and verification of employment is required.  A migrant worker in Michigan is defined under these Regulations as an individual who travels from location to location pursuing seasonal agricultural or related industry employment.  The term migrant worker does not include any family member of a person who owns or operates a farm, ranch, or other agricultural (or related industry) business.
   5. A student, the spouse of a student, or the parent of a dependent student who, is a veteran of at least 12 consecutive months of active United States military service prior to honorable separation, or as a member of the Reserve or National Guard, was mobilized for at least 12 months of active military service, and who moves to Michigan with the intent to become a domiciliary of Michigan within 90 days following discharge or return to non-active duty, shall be classified as in-state.
   6. A member of the armed forces in active or reserve duty status attending Michigan State University in a degree program funded by the Department of Defense shall be classified as an in-state student, as will his or her spouse and his or her dependent children. If the service member leaves the state of Michigan, this in-state status will continue for the service member, spouse, and dependent children as long as those who are students conform to the continuous enrollment rule in Section 6.A below.
   7. A student who is a veteran of Peace Corps service who moves to Michigan within 90 days following satisfactory completion of
      his/her Peace Corps contract with the intent to become a domiciliary of Michigan will be classified as in-state.
   8. A person who physically resides in Michigan for 12 consecutive months without enrolling in any academic courses at any two-year or four-year degree granting institution may matriculate as an in-state student immediately thereafter.
4. NON-U.S. CITIZENS 
   Among non-U.S. citizens, only persons who are entitled to reside permanently in the United States are eligible for in-state status classification at the University. These individuals, like U.S. citizens, must still prove that they have established a Michigan domicile as defined in these Regulations. In other words, having the privilege of remaining permanently in the United States is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition to obtaining in-state classification at the University. At present, non-citizens who are entitled to reside permanently in the United States include:
   • Permanent Resident Aliens: must be fully processed and possess Permanent Resident Alien card or stamp in passport verifying final approval by filing deadline for applicable term.
   • Refugees: I-94 card must designate "Refugee."
   • A, E (primary), G and I Visa holders: Based upon current law, these non-immigrant visa classifications are the only ones that permit the visa holder to establish a domicile in the United States. The Registrar shall update this list as changes occur in applicable law. 
5. RETURNING MICHIGAN RESIDENTS
   1.  If a student is claimed as a dependent for federal tax purposes, graduated from a Michigan High School, and the student’s parents have been continuously domiciled in Michigan from the date of the student’s high school graduation to the present, the student shall be classified as in-state.
   2. If a student is not claimed as a dependent for federal tax purposes, graduated from a Michigan High School, has been residing in Michigan for 12 consecutive months, and the student’s parents have been continuously domiciled in Michigan from the date of the student’s high school graduation to the present, the student shall be classified as in-state.
   3. If a student is claimed as a dependent for federal tax purposes, the student’s parents have moved out of Michigan after the completion of the student’s sophomore year in a Michigan high school, the student and his/her parents resided in Michigan for a minimum of 10 years prior to their departure, and the student attends Michigan State University the fall semester following high school graduation, the student shall be classified as in-state.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
   1. If a student, or the parent of a dependent student, moves out of Michigan during the time he/she is enrolled at the University, the student's in-state classification will be maintained as long as he/she continues to be enrolled. If a student moves out of Michigan for more than 12 months while enrolled as a less than full-time student, the student will be reclassified to out-of-state status, unless  the student presents clear and convincing evidence that he/she has maintained his/her domicile in Michigan despite the move.
   2. The in-state status of a prospective student domiciled in Michigan will not be affected by that student's full-time attendance, prior to enrolling at MSU, at a non-Michigan college or university.
   3. If the family of a dependent current student or of a dependent prospective student who has completed at least the junior year in high school moves out of Michigan during the time he/she is a student, the student's in-state classification will be maintained as long as he/she continues to be enrolled on a regular school year basis in a Michigan high school, college or university.
   4. Applications for reclassification may be filed at any time. However, reclassification to in-state status applies only to whole semesters. Students will not be reclassified to in-state status within a semester.
   5. In situations where a student provides evidence that he/she was eligible for in-state tuition in a prior semester, the student may seek retroactive reclassification and a refund of the out-of-state tuition differential.
   6. A graduate student is subject  to these Regulations, except that a Graduate Assistant will pay in-state fees during the period of 
      his/her appointment.
   7. If a student (or the spouse, parent or legal guardian of a dependent student) is employed full-time by Michigan State University, the student shall be eligible for in-state fee classification.
   8. The domiciliary status of any person, other than a parent, who may furnish funds to a student for payment of University fees shall not have any presumptive effect on the classification of that student.
   9. If a student has accepted a bona fide offer of permanent, full-time employment in Michigan following graduation, the student may seek a refund of the out-of-state tuition differential paid in any semesters falling completely within the 12 months preceding the date of the student's acceptance of the offer of employment.
   10. The University will correct errors that may occur in classifying a student. Further, the University reserves the right to audit enrolled or prospective students at any time with regard to eligibility for in-state status and to reclassify students who are registered in an improper classification.
7. RECLASSIFICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURE
   Any student classified as out-of-state who believes he/she should be classified as in- state under the Regulations listed above should submit a letter explaining why the student believes that he/she is domiciled in Michigan and provide evidence to support his/her claim. All documentary evidence supporting the student's claim should be attached.
   
   When a student files a Request for Classification to In-State Status, the student must submit the following documentation:
   • for all students: a copy of the driver's license of the student and, if applicable, of the person or persons upon whom the student is basing the claim to in-state status.
   • for all students: copies of the front and signature pages of the most recent year's federal and state income tax returns and W2's for the student and, if applicable, of the person or persons upon whom the student is basing the claim to in-state status.
   • for students born outside the U.S.: verification of U.S. citizenship or visa status.
   • for students who are dependents: copies of the front and signature pages of the most recent year's federal and state income tax returns of the person claiming the student as a dependent.
   • for students whose claim to eligibility for in-state classification is based on their permanent, full-time employment or that of another person: a letter from the employer, written on letterhead (including phone number), stating the student or other person's position, status and dates of employment. The letter should be accompanied by a copy of the most recent pay stub showing Michigan taxes being withheld. 
     
     Students are also responsible for providing any additional documentation necessary to support their claim to in-state status eligibility if such documentation is requested by the University .
     
     The Request for Classification to In-State Status with attached documentation should be submitted to the Associate Registrar for Registration Services, 150 Administration Building, at least one month in advance of the semester in which re- classification is sought. 
     
     The Request for Classification to In-State Status and accompanying documentation will not be returned. The student is advised to keepa copy for his/her records.
     
     The Request for Classification to In-State Status will be given to a Review Committee consisting of the Associate Registrar for 
     Registration Services, the Associate Registrar for Degree and Certification, and the University Registrar. In cases where documentation appears to be unclear or incomplete, the Review Committee will attempt to contact the student and explain the need for further clarification and/or supportive documentation where possible.
     
     Documentation supporting a claim of Michigan domicile must be detailed and complete. If, in the opinion of the Review Committee, the documentation submitted is not sufficiently detailed and complete, the student will be so notified in writing. In that written notification, the student will be invited to discuss any remaining questions with the Associate Registrar for Registration Services.
8. APPEAL PROCEDURE
   Any student desiring to challenge the decision of the Review Committee shall have the right to appeal the determination. The appeal will be reviewed by the Out-of-State Fees Committee.
   
   The appeal should be addressed to the Associate Registrar for Registration Services, 150 Administration Building. The Out-of-State Fees Committee consists of the Vice President for Finance and Operations, Chairperson; the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; the Associate Controller; the Dean of The Graduate School; the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; one undergraduate student representing ASMSU; one graduate student representing COGS; the Director of Admissions, ex officio; the University Registrar, ex officio; and the Associate Registrar for Registration Services, ex officio. Ex officio members are non-voting.
   
   If a student's appeal is denied by the Out-of-State Fees Committee, the student may ask to appear in person before the Out-of-State Fees Committee to further clarify the documentation previously submitted. A student wishing to appear in person should file a written request with the Associate Registrar for Registration Services. The request should specify the documentation about which the student intends to speak.
9. FALSIFICATION OF RECORDS
   According to Article 5.01 of the University's General Student Regulations, "No student shall provide false information for the purpose of gaining benefit for oneself or others to any office, agency, or individual acting on behalf of the University."

 

At Michigan State University, it has always been a philosophy that student housing is much more than just a place to sleep and eat.  Educational and social programs, mentoring services and planned activities augment the academic programs of the university to help students learn to live as involved members of a community.

This combination of philosophy, facilities and services has positioned Michigan State University as a leader with the reputation of providing some of the finest and most extensive housing options in the country.

Michigan State University proudly offers quality, affordable housing options for the varied needs of all students.  Incoming freshmen, transfer students, graduate and international students find quality housing options in our 26 undergraduate residence halls, one graduate hall and 76 four-bedroom apartments for undergraduate students.  University apartments provide housing for students with families, and graduate, international, and undergraduate students.

For information about housing regulations and policies, refer to the University Housing Policy in this section.  More information on housing is available at www.uh.msu.edu.

To meet different financial needs and personal preferences of students, Michigan State University offers a variety of residence hall accommodations. All halls are coeducational. Men and women are housed in separate suites on separate floors or the same floor and share dining, recreational, study and classroom facilities.

Men's and women's housing areas are generally open to members of the opposite sex on a 24-hour basis. Access into all undergraduate halls at night is limited to residents and their guests and is overseen by night receptionists. Only students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in their rooms, suites, or apartments. Many halls offer alcohol-free housing, where all residents and guests, even if they are over 21 years of age, agree not to have or consume alcohol.

Most halls offer quiet houses which emphasize quiet hours for study in excess of those found in the regular housing areas. Students must sign a separate contract agreeing to abide by the guidelines for living in alcohol-free, and quiet houses. All residence halls are smoke-free facilities. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas of the residence halls. Smoking is only permitted outside, 25 feet from the building.

For specific information about fees, refer to Costs in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.

Rooms in most halls are designed for two students but, with the addition of a third bed or lounger, can accommodate three. All student rooms are furnished except for blankets, pillows, and bedspreads. A resident may add study lamps, small rugs, draperies and wall hangings. Weekly linen exchange is provided and included in the room rates. Each room is equipped with cable TV and ethernet access.

Each residence hall has recreation and study facilities, lounges and pay laundries. Many have convenience store operations, ATM's and computer labs.

Residence hall dining offers fresh, healthy, homemade and nutritious options. Access to the dining facilities is by Michigan State University ID for those with a meal plan, or by purchasing a guest meal ticket available at the dining entrance. Hours of operation, dining locations and weekly menus are listed at www.eatatstate.com.

Residents contract per semester for a choice of meal plans which offer unlimited dining: (1) Platinum Plan offers anytime access to dining halls, eight guest accesses and $300 in Spartan Cash; (2) Gold Plan offers anytime access, four guest meal accesses and $150 in Spartan Cash; (3) Silver Plan offers anytime access. Students who have a class conflict may utilize the traditional Totally Takeout in Shaw Hall or one of the streamlined versions of Totally Takeout Express in Brody, Wilson, McDonel, and Landon. Meal plans limit visits to Totally Takeout to once per day. Additional dining plans are available for students who live off-campus. Visit www.eatatstate.com.

A  residence hall complex director is responsible for coordinating student programming. The residence hall complex director is assisted by a staff of graduate advisors and undergraduate resident mentors. The direction and assistance the student receives from the advisors is a significant part of the program of education outside the classroom, which helps prepare the student for University and community living.

Student government is the basic channel for student participation in decision making and for meeting the needs of the residents of the individual halls. Opportunities are provided for students to participate in a variety of activities, including social events, informal discussions, sports,  lectures and seminars.

The Residence Halls Association is the all-campus organization which coordinates the various residence halls' student governments.

 

MSU offers different Living-Learning options within our extensive residence hall system to promote the union of academic and residence life. Opportunities abound to enrich academic life while making and solidifying the transition to the university.

Students are given the opportunity to live in close proximity to others with whom they share academic or cultural goals and interests. In some cases, classes and/or academic advisors are located within the same building or complex in which the student lives. Living-Learning options are available in a wide variety of majors and study areas. For more information on Living-Learning programs, visit www.admissions.msu.edu/Living-Learning_Programs.asp.

The Undergraduate University Division has offices in some residence halls, staffed with full-time faculty members and advisors for No-Preference freshmen and sophomores. Some classes, which may be used to satisfy the University's Integrative Studies requirement, are also offered within residence halls.

 

Three of the residence hall units contain a limited number of apartments which are air-conditioned and furnished.
Van Hoosen has 32 apartments for women, which accommodate four students each. Each resident in Van Hoosen shares the housekeeping responsibilities.

In Akers Hall there are 20 one-bedroom apartments in addition to regular rooms. Preference is given to students who have lived in a Michigan State University residence hall the previous semester.

University Village has 76 four-bedroom apartments, to accommodate 304 upperclassmen.

Apartments in the Michigan State University Apartments are available to single students after families and graduate students have been accommodated.

Apartment residents may purchase an optional meal plan.

 

Room without board is available in Williams Hall for sophomore, junior, and senior students. These students may purchase meal contracts if they wish.

In addition to regular furnishings, rooms have refrigerators. No cooking facilities are available or allowed in the rooms, but each floor has an area for preparing meals. Care and cleaning of these areas are the responsibility of the hall residents.

Williams Hall rooms are rented on a double occupancy basis with a limited number of singles available.

 

The graduate student requires a different type of living accommodation than the undergraduate student. Owen Graduate Hall is designed to promote the advanced learning and exchanges of ideas demanded of graduate and professional students, or upper-level undergraduates.

Rooms in Owen Graduate Hall are largely single occupancy with a limited number of double rooms.

Owen Graduate Hall dining services are designed to meet the individual tastes and varied schedules of graduate students.

Residents of Owen Graduate Hall have a prepaid food credit plan, with board credit included in the rate charges. The board credit is not intended to last the average resident through the entire semester. If the resident has a credit balance at the end of the semester, it cannot be carried into the following semester or refunded. Account balances are furnished on request.

Cooking is permitted only in niversity Housing designated kitchen facilities. Care and cleaning of this area is the responsibility of the residents.

Owen Graduate Hall residents may also purchase an optional plan to dine in nearby undergraduate halls.

The Housing contract is required by the Board of Trustees and is necessary to prevent students from using the halls as temporary housing. The contract protects the interests of the residents and the university. Acceptance of a room assignment and moving into a hall indicates agreement to the full terms of the contract. The contract is for the full academic year.

If at the time of checking into the residence hall the student is under 18 years of age, the contract must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Violations of the terms and conditions of the contract will be referred to the appropriate university officials for administrative or judicial action.

The niversity Housing terms and conditions are available on the Web at www.uh.msu.edu.

 

FALL SEMESTER FRESHMEN. Each new freshman receives information regarding university housing with the letter of admission to the university. The university requires a housing application fee. Details for fall semester freshmen are explained in the admission packet.

TRANSFER STUDENTS. Each new transfer student receives information regarding university housing with the letter of admission to the university. A housing application fee is to be included when the application is returned to the Housing Assignments Office.

ALL OTHER STUDENTS. Housing applications are available from the Housing Assignments office. Contact 1-877-9 LIVE ON or email housing-info@mail.hfs.msu.edu.

 

Students will be notified of the hall opening date for each semester.

For out-of-state and international students, baggage and trunks marked with the resident's name and sent to the assigned hall will be received and stored until the student's arrival. Indicate on each item the semester of the student’s arrival. Michigan State University is not liable for any loss of or damage to any resident's property.

Closet space is limited, so residents are urged to bring only seasonal clothing.

Rates are given in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of the catalog.

 

Housing is available for summer session, although reservations are handled separately from those for the regular school year. Students may apply for summer session housing beginning in February.

At the end of the summer, students must check out with the manager's office of their summer residence hall. Students may move directly to their fall hall at the conclusion of summer session.

 

The university has over 1,800 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Married couples with dependent children and single parents with dependent children have priority for the two-bedroom units.

The apartments are furnished with a stove, refrigerator, and venetian blinds. Newly remodeled and fully carpeted one- and two-bedroom units are available at a slightly higher cost. There are no storage facilities available other than those in the individual apartments. Laundromat facilities are located in the apartment complexes. The keeping of animals or pets of any kind is prohibited, with the exception of non-carnivorous fish. Aquariums are limited to 30 gallons.

Children residing in University Apartments are eligible to attend East Lansing Public Schools.  Preschool services are available through Spartan Child Development Center, located in Spartan Village.  Playgrounds and other recreational sites are located throughout the apartment complexes.

 

You must be of sophomore status or above to live in University Apartments.  Once you have been officially admitted to the University and assigned a Personal Identification Number (PID), you may apply for housing. Applications are available through University Housing Assignments. For additional information, call 1-877-9 LIVE ON or email housing-info@mail.hfs.msu.edu.  A $40 non-refundable application fee is required to process your application.  No down payment is required.  A marriage certificate is required for all married couples.  Birth certificates are required for all dependents.

 

To remain eligible to live in University Apartments as an undergraduate student, you must be enrolled for a minimum of eight credits during two of the following: fall semester, spring semester, summer session. Exceptions may be made for students employed by the university in a teaching capacity, interns, fellows, and doctoral students.  University Apartments requires a minimum 4-month occupancy on all executed leases.  A 45-day Vacate Notice must be filed for all move-outs prior to May 15th.  Rent will be charged for 45 days from the date of notice.  Residents not in compliance with these regulations will be subject to additional penalties.  A summer storage option is available to current residents who may be leaving for the summer but returning for fall semester.

 

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees sets rental rates for University Apartments.  These rates change annually in August.  Rent payments for all residents are due the first day of each month.  Delinquent payment will be subject to late fees.  Accounts delinquent for more than two months will be subject to eviction.  Rental payments include all utilities, cable service, Ethernet, and local phone service (up to 400 calls per month).  The first month’s rent is due with the return of your Apartment Offer Letter.  All future rent payments are made at the Cashier’s Office, in 110 Administration Building.

 

The Off-Campus Housing Office, 101 Student Services Building, has current listings of housing available to all members of the University community. Staff members in the office also provide general advice and information to persons with problems arising from off-campus housing situations.

 

Many of Michigan State University's 52 nationally and internationally affiliated fraternities and sororities offer chapter houses in which their members may live. Chapter members are responsible for the business aspects of managing a chapter house, as well as providing activities addressing leadership development, community service, sports and recreation, social life, alumni relations, accountability and responsibility for their members.  For more information on this collegiate living experience, contact the Department of Student Life at 1-517-355-8286.

 

A unique type of living experience for Michigan State University students is provided in student housing cooperatives. Students own and operate their own houses and are responsible for governance, maintenance, budgeting and meal planning. Cooperative principles affirm democratic control and open membership to any interested student.

The housing cooperatives are all located near the campus and vary in size from 12 to 50 members. Additional information about cooperative housing may be obtained from the Intercooperative Council Office, 317 Student Services Building.

 

In general, living in religious living units is similar to living in other residences with the addition of a denominational religious experience. These units include Living ROCK (men),  East Lansing Student Living Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), and the Hillel Jewish Student Center.

 

University Housing Assignments Office

University Housing Assignments Office
100 University Housing Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Telephone:  1-517-355-9550 or 1-800-678-4679
Email: housing-info@uh.msu.edu
Web: www.hfs.msu.edu/uh

Graduate Housing

Manager
Owen Graduate Hall MSU
East Lansing, MI 48825-1109
Telephone:  1-517-355-5068

Dining Services

Associate Director, Dining Services
37 W. McDonel Hall
East Lansing, MI 48825
Telephone:  1-517- 353-1616
Web: www.eatatstate.com

Off-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing Office
101 Student Services Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1113
Telephone:  1-517-355-8303

 

As members of a learning community, students may be asked to participate in periodic and ongoing institutional self-studies designed to promote program improvement.  Michigan State University continually assesses itself in order to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs.  Students are expected to participate in these assessment efforts should they be selected to do so.

 

A full-time faculty member of Michigan State University may not carry course work in residence, or in absentia, amounting to more than an average of four course credits a semester with a maximum of eight credits in the academic year. There is no maximum number of master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research credits that may be carried each semester. See Admission of Faculty Members of Michigan State University to Graduate Study in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

 

No person is allowed to attend a class unless officially enrolled on a credit or non-credit basis with the appropriate fees paid. Students who attend, participate and strive to complete course requirements without formal enrollment will not receive credit for their work.

There is no all-university regulation requiring class attendance. However, attendance is an essential and intrinsic element of the educational process. In any course in which attendance is necessary to the achievement of a clearly defined set of course objectives, it may be a valid consideration in determining the student's grade. It is the responsibility of the instructor to define the policy for attendance at the beginning of the course.

DROP FOR NON-ATTENDANCE. Students may be dropped from a course for non-attendance by a departmental administrative drop after the fourth class period, or the fifth class day of the term of instruction, whichever occurs first.

CLASS NOTES AND UNIVERSITY SUPPLIED MATERIALS. As a condition of continued course enrollment and allowed class attendance, a student will refrain from commercializing notes of class lectures and university-supplied materials, by direct sale or by contract with a third party or otherwise, without the express written permission of the instructor. Students may be removed from a class only after a hearing in the department or school, as described in the Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University, Article 2.4.

FIELD TRIPS. Field trips involving absence from classes must be authorized in advance by the dean of the college in which the course is given. The cost of field trips which are part of organized courses of instruction must be borne by the participating students and are additional to the usual course fees.

 

Students who must change from one section to another in the same course may complete this process through the fifth day of classes in a semester. (For free add periods during non-standard terms of instruction, the enrollment system controls the timing for each session.) After the period ends, changes of section must be made in the department responsible for teaching the course.

 

Students are expected to complete the courses in which they register. If a change is necessary, it may be made only with the appropriate approvals as explained below.

ADD AND DROP PERIOD. Students may add courses using the  enrollment system through the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters). Students may drop courses using the enrollment system through the middle of the term of instruction.

CHANGE OF OPTION FOR CR-NC (CREDIT-NO CREDIT) GRADING. Choice of the CR-NC grading system must be communicated by the student to the Office of the Registrar within the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters) and may not be changed after that date.

CHANGE OF OPTION FOR VISITOR. Choice of enrollment in a credit course as a visitor on a non-credit basis must be made no later than the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters) in the Office of the Registrar.

TO ADD A COURSE AFTER THE ADD AND DROP PERIOD. Normally, no course may be added after the designated period for adding courses. Any add after this period must be processed beginning with the department offering the course. Final approval rests with the associate dean of the student's college.

TO DROP A COURSE AFTER THE MIDDLE OF THE SEMESTER. A student may drop a course after the middle of the semester only to correct errors in enrollment or because of events of catastrophic impact, such as serious personal illness. To initiate a late drop, the student must obtain approval from the office of the associate dean of his or her college or the Undergraduate University Division. If the student is passing the course, or there is no basis for assignment of a grade at the time of the drop, a W grade will be assigned. If failing, a 0.0 (or N in a P-N graded course) will be assigned. The course will remain on the student's academic record.

ADJUSTMENT OF FEES. If the adding or dropping of courses changes the total number of credits in which the student is enrolled, an adjustment of fees is made according to the policies for assessment of fees and refund of fees shown in the section on Refund Policies.

DROPPING ALL COURSES. See the statement on Withdrawal from the University.

 

Cancellation of enrollment includes the administrative cancellation of a student's registration due to nonpayment of fees, or because of academic recess or dismissal. Grades will not be reported. The cancellation of a student's registration may be processed by the Office of the Controller or the Office of the Registrar.

 

VOLUNTARY DURING THE SEMESTER. A student may voluntarily withdraw from the university prior to the end of the twelfth week of a semester, or within the first 6/7 of the duration of the student's enrollment in a non-standard term of instruction (calculated in weekdays). Withdrawal is not permitted after these deadlines.

The withdrawal procedure begins in the office of the associate dean of the college in which the student is enrolled or in the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.

Upon official voluntary withdrawal from the University, symbols are assigned to courses in which the student was enrolled according to the effective date of the withdrawal as follows:

1. If withdrawal is before the middle of the term of instruction, courses in which the student is enrolled will be deleted from the official record.
2. If withdrawal is after the middle of the term of instruction, symbols will be assigned by instructors to courses in which the student was enrolled as follows:  W (no grade) to indicate passing or no basis for grade regardless of the grading system under which the student is enrolled, N to indicate failing in a course authorized for P-N grading, or 0.0 to indicate failing in a course authorized for numeric grading.

In case of official withdrawal from the university, fees are subject to refund according to the refund policy.

A student living in a residence hall should consult the manager regarding the policy on the refund of room and board fees.

A student living in an off-campus organized living unit should consult the individual unit for policies regarding room and board refunds.

If three or more complete semesters of school are missed subsequent to withdrawal, including the summer sessions, the student must apply for readmission online at www.reg.msu.edu.

VOLUNTARY AT THE CLOSE OF A SEMESTER. There is no formal procedure for withdrawal at the end of a semester; however, a student living in university housing should notify the manager of the appropriate unit.

UNAUTHORIZED. A student who leaves the university during a semester or summer session without obtaining an official withdrawal will be reported as having failed all courses.

The withdrawal procedure will not take place automatically for the student who leaves campus because of illness, of either one's self or family member, but must be initiated by the student. If this cannot be done in person, withdrawal may be initiated by writing the associate dean of the college in which the student is enrolled or the Office of the Registrar, Room 150 Administration Building.

A student who leaves the university without withdrawing formally forfeits any fees or deposits paid to the university.

INVOLUNTARY. A student who is called into the Armed Forces during the semester should present orders for induction at the office of the associate dean of the college in which the student is enrolled or at the Office of the Registrar for appropriate action.

DISCIPLINARY. If a student is dismissed for disciplinary reasons during a semester, courses are dropped without grades and without refund and the registration cancelled.

 

In keeping with university practice, entry into, and participation in, course examinations is controlled through electronic and visual means and by proctored examination site procedures.

In certain courses, such as those offered online, an individual student may be required to arrange to take examinations in a proctored environment away from campus. Any costs associated with taking such proctored examinations are the responsibility of the student. The Michigan State University Testing Office is a proctored-testing site for distance learning, www.testingoffice.msu.edu/. It is a member of the Consortium of College Testing Centers which is a free referral service provided by the National College Testing Association to facilitate distance learning, www.ncta-testing.org.

During the final week of each academic semester all courses shall meet for one 2-hour period at the date and time listed in the  Final Examination Policy and Schedule on the Web at www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/Calendar/FinalExam.asp. During summer sessions, final examinations are scheduled in the last class sessions.  This period should be used for examination, discussion, summarizing the course, obtaining student evaluation of the course instruction, or any other appropriate activity designed to advance the student's education. If an instructor requires a written report or take-home examination in place of a final examination, it shall not be due before the final examination period scheduled for that course. Exceptions to this paragraph may be approved by the department or school chairperson, or in a college without departments, by the dean.

In the event that a final examination is deemed appropriate by the instructor, it may not be scheduled at any time other than the date and hour listed in the Final Examination Policy and Schedule. Any deviations from the final examination schedule must be approved by the Office of the Registrar based on the recommendation of the assistant/associate dean of the college responsible for the course offering.

No student should be required to take more than two examinations during any one day of the final examination period. Students who have more than two examinations scheduled during one calendar day during the final examination period may take their class schedules to the Academic Student Affairs Office in their colleges for assistance in arranging for an alternate time for one of the three examinations.

The final examination schedule shall be systematically rotated so that the 2-hour period for each course will be scheduled at a different time each semester. This will also apply to common final examinations.

Faculty members shall schedule office hours during the final examination period (or in some other way attempt to make themselves accessible to their students) as they do in the other weeks of the semester.

Common final examinations are scheduled in certain courses with several class sections. In case of a conflict in time between such an examination and a regularly scheduled course examination, the latter has priority. The department or school giving the common  examination must arrange for a make-up examination.

A student absent from a final examination without a satisfactory explanation will receive a grade of 0.0 on the numerical system, NC on the CR-NC system, or N in the case of a course authorized for grading on the P-N system. Students unable to take a final examination because of illness or other reason over which they have no control should notify the associate deans of their colleges immediately.

For information on examinations other than end of the semester, see the Undergraduate Education and Graduate Education sections of this catalog.

All currently authorized courses can be found in online Course Descriptions at: www.reg.msu.edu/Courses.

For current scheduling information for all courses, visit the Schedule of Courses at www.schedule.msu.edu.

 

001-099 Non-Credit Courses

Courses with these numbers are offered by the university to permit students to make up deficiencies in previous training or to improve their facility in certain basic skills without earning credit.

For information about remedial-developmental-preparatory courses, consult the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.

100-299 Undergraduate Courses

Courses with these numbers are for undergraduate students. They carry no graduate credit, although graduate students may be admitted to such courses in order to make up prerequisites or to gain a foundation for advanced courses.
For information about remedial-developmental-preparatory courses, consult the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.

300-499 Advanced Undergraduate Courses

Courses with these numbers are for advanced undergraduate students. They constitute the advanced portion of an undergraduate program leading to the bachelor's degree. A graduate student may carry 400-level courses for credit upon approval of the student's major department or school. In exceptional cases, a graduate student may petition the dean of his or her college, in writing, for approval of a 300-level course for graduate credit.

500-699 Graduate-Professional Courses

Courses with these numbers are courses in the graduate-professional programs. A graduate student may carry these courses for credit with approval of the major department or school.

800-899 Graduate Courses

Courses with these numbers are for graduate students. Advanced undergraduates with Honors College status or a grade-point average in their total programs equal to or greater than the minimum requirement for graduation with honors may be admitted to 800-899 courses. The student must obtain approval of the relevant department. More than half of the credits of the total required for a master's degree shall be taken at the 800 and 900 level except as specifically exempted by the dean of the college.

900-999 Advanced Graduate Courses

Courses with these numbers are exclusively for graduate students and primarily for advanced graduate students. A master's degree student may take these courses with the approval of the major department or school, with the exception of courses numbered 999 (doctoral dissertation research). Admission to a doctoral degree program is a prerequisite of all courses numbered 999.

 

Courses at Michigan State University are given on a  "semester" basis, and credits earned are semester credits. To convert semester credits to the “term” or “quarter” basis employed in certain other institutions, multiply by 3/2. To convert term credits to semester credits, multiply by 2/3.

Each course usually carries a specific number of credits based upon the number of instructional contact hours and study hours required each week per semester. The earning of a credit requires, as a minimum, one instructor-student contact hour per week per semester plus two hours of study per contact hour; OR two hours of laboratory contact hours per week per semester, plus one additional hour spent in report writing and study; OR other combinations of contact and study hours which constitute an equivalent of these experiences. In all courses taught in the time frame of the regular semester, regardless of format, provision will be made for contact hours and/or study hours which reflect optimal use of the class and study time provided for in the official university calendar. In courses in other time frames provision will be made for contact hours and study time in a combination, which is equivalent to the semester experience.

The number of credits normally carried in a semester is defined in the Undergraduate Education and Graduate Education sections of this catalog.

Persons who are assessed fees for 7 or more credits (6 or more credits for doctoral students) in a semester:

1. Are subject to the housing regulations as stated in University Housing Policy.
2. May utilize the facilities of the Olin Health Center. Information on services available and the charges made may be obtained at the Olin Health Center.
3. May purchase football, basketball, and/or hockey season tickets for themselves and their spouses at 50 percent of the public rate.
4. Are eligible for free admission to other regularly scheduled athletic events.
5. Are eligible for student discounts on series tickets to professional performing arts events at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
6. Are eligible to purchase one guest ticket to professional performing arts events at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. One validated student ID card must be presented with every two student-rate tickets when attending a performance.

For each variable credit course, the range of credits for which a student may enroll in a given semester and the maximum number of credits that a student may earn in a course with a reenrollment provision shall be specified.

 

Acceptance of courses and credits deemed suitable for transfer to Michigan State University is determined by faculty in the department, school, or college responsible for instruction in the subject area. Among factors influencing the determination of acceptability are the relationship of the course to other course offerings in the primary administrative unit and other academic units at Michigan State University, and the basis for student performance evaluation in the course. For current course equivalencies, visit: www.transfer.msu.edu.

For information on transfer credit beyond sophomore standing, visit www.reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Text.asp?Section=110#s228.

 

The formats described in this document apply to courses in which credits are earned. (For the definition of a credit, refer to Credits.)

In all courses for credit, regardless of format, there will be instructor evaluation of individual learning. In this document, instructor is defined as a person authorized to teach the course by the administrator of the academic unit that administers the course.

The formats acceptable for courses offered for credit are those listed below. Two or more of the formats listed may be combined; for example, lecture and laboratory, discussion and online and/or lecture and hybrid.

Lecture
Definition:  A regularly scheduled class in which the instructor takes the dominant role and the primary emphasis is on transmitting a body of knowledge or information and explaining ideas or principles. Student comments or questions will be accommodated as circumstances permit. In some courses, students may be expected to participate in classroom activities by means appropriate to the subject matter, such as discussion, performance, etc. Information regarding required text and reading list is provided.

Discussion
Definition:  A regularly scheduled class in which a group of students, under the direction of the instructor, considers predetermined topics, issues, or problems and exchanges evidence, analyses, reactions, and conclusions about them with one another. Papers, projects, etc., may be assigned.  A list of topics for discussion; basic texts, reading list, or other materials are specified. Enrollment normally limited.

Seminar
Definition:  A regularly scheduled class in which a small group of students is engaged, under the leadership of the instructor, in research or advanced study. Topics may be interdisciplinary or highly specialized. Maximal opportunity for peer exchange is provided. Instructor provides broad outline of possible topics and procedures. Enrollment normally limited to 15 students.

Laboratory
Definition:  A regularly scheduled class with primary emphasis on learning by doing or observing, with the burden of course activity placed on the student, under the direction and supervision of the instructor, for the purpose of giving first-hand experience, developing and practicing skills, translating theory into practice, and developing, testing, and applying principles.  Manuals, needed materials, instruments, equipment, and/or tools are provided, or recommendations are made for their acquisition.

Studio
Definition:  A regularly scheduled class with primary emphasis on student activity leading to skill development and the enhancement and encouragement of the student's artistic growth. Needed materials, instruments, equipment, and/or tools are provided, or recommendations are made for their acquisition. Evaluation of individual learning may include public display of proficiency and/or evaluation by faculty other than the student's instructor. Each student receives from the instructor an end-of-semester assessment of accomplishment.

Online
Definition:  A class in which all instruction is delivered in an online environment. Texts, reading lists, in-person orientations, proctored exams or other non-instructional experiences may be required as stipulated. Online courses are classified as on-campus courses.

Hybrid (Blended)
Definition:  A class that blends online instruction with regularly scheduled classroom time or required or scheduled in-person contact, including exams, labs, etc. Text, reading lists, and/or other materials are stipulated. Hybrid courses with on-campus meetings are classified as on-campus courses.

In the following course formats (except master's thesis research and doctoral dissertation research), a minimum combined total of 30 instructor-student contact hours and student class/study/work hours per credit per semester is expected. The division among these hours will be determined by the instructor, in consultation, as needed, with other qualified supervisors.

Workshop
Definition:  An organized learning experience with the same purposes and methods as the laboratory or studio, usually offered in a concentrated period shorter than a semester. Broad outline of possible activities and procedures is provided.

Institute
Definition:  An organized learning experience which brings together specialists in a given area for instruction for a concentrated period shorter than a semester. Broad outline of possible topics and procedures is provided.

Field Study
Definition:  A learning experience arranged by an instructor for a student or group of students to carry out a project outside the classroom by observation, participation in a work experience, or field research.  Advance planning, involving instructor and students, for activity are required.

Professional Practicum
Definition:  Professional practice under supervision of an instructor, assisted, where necessary, by additional experienced professionals. Broad outline of possible topics and procedures is provided.

Clinical Clerkship
Definition:  An organized learning experience which employs professional practice as a means to acquire clinical skills and apply knowledge. Broadens knowledge acquired in prior course work by providing additional instruction and experiences. Activities include supervised clinical practice, small-group instruction, lecture, independent study, etc. Instruction is delivered by multiple faculty and/or other qualified professionals in a campus or community-based clinical facility (hospital, ambulatory care center, health professional's office, practice environment, etc.) Objectives, instructional materials, and evaluation procedures are determined by faculty assigned to the clerkship.

Internship
Definition: Professional activity, under general supervision of an experienced professional, in a job situation which places a high degree of responsibility on the student. Specific job description must be approved by instructor or instructional unit. Evaluation by instructor with assistance of supervisor.

Teaching Internship
Definition: Sustained observation and practice in a classroom under supervision of an experienced teacher and a university field supervisor.  Careful advance planning involving a university field supervisor, the school system and supervising teacher, as well as procedures for evaluation by the field supervisor, with the assistance of the supervising teacher are required.

Independent Study
Definition: Planned study, highly individualized, which is not addressable through any other format. Advance planning between instructor and student, with goals, scope of the project, and evaluation method are specified in writing. At least two contact hours are required for the first credit of Independent Study. Contact hours thereafter are to be determined by agreement between instructor and student.

Competency-Based Instruction (CBI)
Definition: Objectives, materials, procedures, and methods of evaluation are specified at the beginning of the course. The requirements are satisfied at the student's own pace, subject to arrangements with the course supervisor and to the university's time-period requirements. This format, as distinguished from Independent Study, will ordinarily be used in established courses. Courses by correspondence and some online courses are generally included in this format. Instructional materials and procedures developed by instructor. Frequency and nature of student-faculty contact determined at the beginning of the course.

Master's Thesis Research
Definition: Highly individualized, investigative study, usually continuing over more than one semester. Subject of research agreed to by student and research supervisor (instructor), in consultation, when required, with guidance committee. Grade deferred until completion of master's program. Exclusively 899 course number. Advance planning occurs between research supervisor (instructor) and student, with goals and scope of project prearranged; minimum contact hours per semester determined by agreement between supervisor and student.

Doctoral Dissertation Research
Definition: Highly individualized, investigative study, usually continuing over several semesters. Subject of research agreed to by student and research supervisor (instructor), in consultation with student's guidance committee. Grade deferred until completion of doctoral program. Exclusively 999 course number. Advance planning occurs between research supervisor (instructor) and student, in consultation with guidance committee.

 

The terminology below is used to describe majors, specializations, teaching minors, and sub-categories within them as noted.

For detailed information on academic program terminology, visit www.reg.msu.edu/Read/UCC/terminology.pdf

Area of Emphasis

A set of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses exclusively for teacher certification programs.

Cognate

A set of related disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses.

Concentration

A set of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses within a major.

Graduate Certificate

Course work, specified professional training, skills, or competency levels.

Major

A primary field of study named as a specific degree program.

Minor

A secondary field of study at the undergraduate level.

Specialization

An interdisciplinary program of thematically related courses.

Teaching Minor

A group of single subject or group subject courses required by the State of Michigan exclusively for teacher certification programs.

 

Undergraduate and graduate-professional students who receive benefits under programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must carry a minimum of 12 credits a semester in fall and spring semesters, and in a full summer session to be certified as a full-time student. Six credits is considered full time for a half summer session. The credits must be in courses that are in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations to receive full benefits under the government assistance programs.

Master's level students who receive benefits under programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs must carry a minimum of 9 credits a semester to receive full benefits under the government assistance programs, and doctoral level students must carry a minimum of 6 credits a semester. The credits must be in courses that are in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. Only courses required for the master's or doctoral degree may be certified to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students receiving Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits are held to the same standards of academic progress and social conduct as all other students.

All enrollment changes (drops and adds) and withdrawal from Michigan State University must be processed promptly.

Michigan State University provides information about students receiving educational assistance benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in accordance with federal mandate and university policy.

 

A person may be permitted to enroll in credit courses as a visitor on a non-credit basis with appropriate approval. Credit may not be earned in courses taken as a visitor except by re-enrollment for credit in the course, and completion of the course with a satisfactory grade. See the Grading Systems section for additional information.

Students enrolled as visitors are expected to attend classes regularly. Those so enrolled who do not attend regularly may be dropped from the class at the request of the instructor.

To be enrolled as a visitor, a student must enroll in the same manner as for credit courses at the university. Students enroll for the course through the enrollment system and then contact the Office of the Registrar to have the visitor code added to the record. Enrollment in a course may not be changed to or from a visitor basis except during the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters). Such credits as the course normally carries are included as part of the total credit load for which fees are assessed.

 

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) was created by a national task force. CEUs are granted by a large number of colleges and universities. The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) provides compliance guidelines and certification of CEU programs. Michigan State University follows the CEU guidelines developed by IACET in awarding CEUs.

Definition:  One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. CEUs and academic credits are separate and distinct measures of participation in instructional experiences.

The CEU exists to: 1) establish permanent records for noncredit education experiences, 2) provide a basis for uniform data for institutional program planning, and 3)  provide data for  national analysis and policy development related to continuing professional development.

For information about the criteria for both Michigan State University and Michigan State Board of Education CEUs and administrative procedures related to CEUs, visit the Office of the Registrar at www.reg.msu.edu. You may also contact the Coordinator of Continuing Education Units at 1-517-432-3959, or in 150 Administration Building.

For information regarding guest status at Michigan State University, see the Lifelong Education Status section in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section.

 

Lifelong Education enrollment status is designed to provide all non-Michigan State University degree students, with the exception of High Achieving High School Students (see the Opportunities for High Achieving High School Students section of this catalog), access to Michigan State University courses. It is important to note that Lifelong Education is not a college, a major, or an office on campus. It is an enrollment status and the term Lifelong Education is applied to students who are not pursuing a university degree or an Agricultural or Veterinary Technology certificate.

Students enrolling under the Lifelong Education enrollment status should complete the application available on the Web at www.reg.msu.edu. From the selections "Undergraduate, Graduate, and Lifelong," select "Lifelong." Indicate undergraduate or graduate level on the form.

The Lifelong Education enrollment status permits and facilitates access to Michigan State University courses and workshops (on-campus, off-campus, online, and Study Abroad) for persons not wishing to pursue an undergraduate or graduate Michigan State University degree.This status is limited to persons who have attained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree will enroll under the Graduate Lifelong Education enrollment status. All others will be enrolled under the Undergraduate Lifelong Education enrollment status.

A person who has been denied admission to an undergraduate degree program at Michigan State University may not enroll under the Lifelong Education enrollment status until at least two years have elapsed from the date of the denial.

Students pursuing Michigan State University degree programs, students pursuing programs in the Institute of Agricultural Technology or English Language Center, students pursuing the Veterinary Technology certificate program, and students who have been recessed or dismissed from Michigan State University or any other college or university are not eligible for enrollment under the Lifelong Education enrollment status.

Rules of Application, Enrollment, and Fees:

1. Students wishing to enroll under the Undergraduate Lifelong Education enrollment status must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.  This information is collected as part of the application procedure.  The high school transcript is not normally required as proof.
   
   Students with a baccalaureate degree will enroll under the Graduate Lifelong Education enrollment status. This information is collected as part of the application procedure. The degree granting transcript is not required as proof.
   Students enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status who wish to be admitted as undergraduate or graduate degree candidates must make regular application for their desired degree programs with the Office of Admissions. They must do so in accordance with established application deadlines for the given semester
2. All students enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status are assessed fees at the Lifelong Education rates. These rates are set at a per credit amount. There are no additional fees associated with this status (i.e., no registration or late registration fees, etc). There are surcharges on some online courses.
3. Prerequisites, grading standards, class assignments, and attendance requirements   of a course apply to all students in that course including those enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status.
4. Colleges, departments, and schools determine rules of access to courses for which they are responsible, and may limit enrollment of students enrolling under the Lifelong Education enrollment status.
5. The Coordinator of Lifelong Education Student Affairs will monitor students’ academic progress each semester to ensure that once nine or more credits have been attempted, acceptable progress has been maintained.
   1. An undergraduate student enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status and who has attempted nine or more credits and has not maintained a 2.0 GPA, will be issued a letter stating he/she is no longer eligible to take courses at Michigan State University. An Academic Advising hold is placed on the student's record.
   2. A graduate student who has attempted nine or more credits and has not maintained a 3.0 GPA, will be issued a letter stating he/she is no longer eligible to take courses at Michigan State University. An Academic hold is placed on the student's record.
6. Students enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status are not eligible for most sources of financial assistance including federal financial assistance programs, graduate assistantships, and most fellowships. The Mildred B. Erickson Scholarship is an exception; for information, contact the Women's Resource Center at 1-517-353-1635 or visit: www.wrc.msu.edu.  
7. Students who have completed course work while enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status and who contemplate subsequent admission to degree programs must seek advice from the admitting department or school and college as to the applicability of courses/credits taken while under the Lifelong Education enrollment status. There is no guarantee that these credits will be acceptable. Applicability is subject to the following general limits.
   1. No more than 16 credits taken while enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status may be applied to the undergraduate degree program.
   2. No more than 9 credits taken while enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status may be applied to the graduate degree program. Refer to the Graduate Education section of the catalog for the aggregate limit.
   3. Courses taken under the Lifelong Education enrollment status may not be transferred to Human, Osteopathic, or Veterinary Medical Programs but may be used to waive program requirements at the discretion of the college.

 

For information regarding study abroad, see Study Abroad in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.

 

Satisfaction of teaching responsibilities by instructional staff members (herein referred to as instructors) is essential to the successful functioning of a university. This University conceives these responsibilities to be so important that performance by instructors in meeting the provisions of this Code shall be taken into consideration in determining salary increases, tenure, and promotion.

1. Course content:  Instructors shall be responsible for ensuring that the content of the courses they teach is consistent with the course descriptions approved by the University Committee on Curriculum and the Academic Council. Instructors shall direct class activities toward the fulfillment of course objectives and shall evaluate student performance in a manner consistent with these objectives.
2. Course syllabi:  Instructors shall be responsible for distributing a course syllabus (either in print or electronic form) at the beginning of the semester. The syllabus shall minimally include:
   (a)    instructional objectives;
   (b)    instructor contact information and office hours;
   (c)    grading criteria and methods used to determine final course grades;
   (d)    date of the final examination and tentative dates of required assignments, quizzes, and tests, if applicable;
   (e)    attendance policy, if different from the University attendance policy and especially when that attendance policy affects student 
            grades; and
   (f)    required and recommended course materials to be purchased, including textbooks and supplies.
3. Student Assessment and Final Grades:  Instructors shall be responsible for informing students, in a timely manner so as to enhance learning, of the grading criteria and methods used to determine grades on individual assignments.  Instructors shall be responsible for assessing a student’s performance based on announced criteria and on standards of academic achievement. Instructors shall submit final course grades in accordance with University deadlines.
4. Testing Documents:  Instructors shall be responsible for returning to students student answers to quizzes, tests, and examinations with such promptness to enhance the learning experience.  Instructors shall retain final examination answers for at least one semester to allow students to review or to retrieve them.  All testing questions (whether on quizzes, tests, or mid-semester or final examinations) are an integral part of course materials, and the decision whether to allow students to retain them is left to the discretion of the instructor.
5. Term Papers and Comparable Projects:  Instructors shall be responsible for returning to students student term papers and other comparable projects with sufficient promptness to enhance the learning experience.  Term papers and other comparable projects are the property of students who prepare them.  Instructors shall retain such unclaimed course work for at least one semester to allow students to retrieve such work.  Instructors have a right to retain a copy of student course work for their own files.
6. Class Meetings:  Instructors shall be responsible for meeting their classes regularly and at scheduled times.  To allow units to take appropriate action, instructors shall notify their units if they are to be absent and have not made suitable arrangements regarding their classes.
7. Applicability of  the Code of Teaching Responsibility to Student Assistants:  Instructors of courses in which assistants are authorized to perform teaching, grading, or other instructional functions shall be responsible for acquainting such individuals with the provisions of this Code and for monitoring their compliance.
8. Instructor Accessibility to Students:  Instructors shall be responsible for being accessible to students outside of class time and therefore shall schedule and keep office hours for student conferences.  Office hours should be scheduled at times convenient to both students and instructors with the additional option of mutually convenient prearranged appointments for students whose schedules conflict with announced office hours.  Each teaching unit shall determine the minimum number of office hours for instructors in that unit.  Instructors who serve as academic advisors also shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate office hours before and during enrollment periods.  In addition to office hours, instructor accessibility through e-mail and other means is encouraged.
9. Commercialization of Course Notes and Materials:  The University prohibits students from commercializing their notes of lectures and University-provided class materials without the written consent of the instructor.  Instructors may allow commercialization by including permission in the course syllabus or other written statement distributed to all students in the class.

Hearing Procedures

1. Students may register complaints regarding an instructor's failure to comply with the provisions of the Code of Teaching Responsibility directly with that instructor.
2. Students may also take complaints directly to teaching units' chief administrators or their designates. If those persons are unable to resolve matters to the student's satisfaction, they are obligated to transmit written complaints to unit committees charged with hearing such complaints. A copy of any complaint transmitted shall be sent to the instructor. A written report of the action or recommendation of such groups will be forwarded to the student and to the instructor, normally within ten working days of the receipt of the complaint.
3. Complaints coming to the University Ombudsman will be reported, in writing, to chief administrators of the teaching units involved when in the Ombudsman's opinion a hearing appears necessary. It will be the responsibility of chief administrators or their designates to inform the instructor and to refer such unresolved complaints to the unit committees charged with hearing such complaints. A written report of the action or recommendation of such groups will be forwarded to the University Ombudsman, to the student, and to the instructor, normally within ten working days of the receipt of the complaint.
4. Students wishing to appeal a teaching unit action or recommendation may do so as outlined in Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University, Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, or Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Such complaints must normally be initiated no later than the middle of the semester following the one wherein alleged violations occurred. Exceptions shall be made in cases where the involved instructor or student is absent from the University during the semester following the one wherein alleged violations occurred.

 

Preamble

The principal objective of the student instructional rating policy is to secure information which is indispensable to implementation of the University's policy of providing its students with instruction of the highest quality. This information is put to two principal uses:  (1) providing instructors and teaching units with an accurate account of student response to their instructional practices, to the end that classroom effectiveness be maintained at the highest level of excellence; and (2) providing teaching units with one kind of information to be considered in deciding on retention, promotion, salary, and tenure, to the end that effectiveness in instruction constitutes an important criterion in evaluating the service to the University of members of the teaching faculty. In order to accomplish these objectives more fully, the following procedures were established.

1. Every teaching unit shall approve t least one common student rating instrument through its own channels of participation, in accordance with unit bylaws and customs of collegial decision making. Regardless of the type of instrument adopted, it must prominently display the following notation:
       The Michigan State University CODE OF TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY holds all instructors to certain obligations with respect to, 
       e.g., course content consistent with approved descriptions, timely statement of course objectives and grading criteria, regular class 
       attendance, published office hours, and timely return of examinations and semester papers. This Code is printed in full in the 
       Academic Programs catalog or is available online at https://www.reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Text.asp?Section=112#s514. It 
       includes specifics about complaint procedures available to students who believe that their instructors have violated the Code.
2. Each teaching unit shall make regular and systematic use of student instructional ratings as part of the unit's evaluation of instructional performance. Each teaching unit shall formulate and promulgate a comprehensive policy covering all aspects of student instructional rating procedures, and shall be responsible for implementing that policy within the framework of the provisions contained in this document. Students shall not be required or requested by faculty members to identify themselves on the rating forms.
3. All instructors, regardless of rank, including graduate assistants, shall use unit-approved student instructional rating forms in all classes (every course, every section, every semester). For team-teaching situations, units shall develop procedures consistent with the intent of these provisions.
4. Beyond the use of a unit approved common form, individual instructors may use other instruments to gather additional information.
5. Results of student instructional ratings shall be used in accordance with the following provisions:
   a.    Results shall be returned promptly to the instructor for information and assistance in improving course design and instruction.
   b.    Instructors shall have the opportunity to comment, orally and/or in writing, upon the ratings received. These comments shall be 
          taken into account by persons or groups charged with making or advising on personnel decisions.
   c.    Results of student instructional ratings shall be systematically consulted, with due regard for strict confidentiality, in conjunction 
          with other means for assessing individual effectiveness, according to the review criteria promulgated within each unit. Other 
          means might include, e.g., classroom visits or consideration of course syllabi, assignments, and examinations.
6. Procedures for implementing the rating process and for utilizing the results shall be promulgated by each teaching unit, subject to the following provisions:
   a.    Duly promulgated unit procedures shall be filed in the offices of the appropriate Dean and the Provost, where they will be matters 
          of public record.
   b.    Unit administrators are responsible for implementing in their units SIRS procedures which follow fully the requirements of this 
          document.
   c.    Teaching units may have the required SIRS instrument(s) administered by a person other than the instructor. If the unit does not 
          administer the instruments, instructors are obligated to do so with due consideration for student confidentiality, and to return all results to unit offices within the time period 
          specified in the unit procedures.
   d.    At the time instruments are administered, students shall be informed who will have access to the results and how the results will 
          be used.

 

Preamble

The following policy operates as a complement to the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) policy to provide selected public information for students as an aid to choosing courses. Forms are available online at www.rateyourclass.msu.edu.

Policy on the Student Public Evaluation System

Students at Michigan State University have an interest in being able to make informed judgments in selecting courses and faculty members as students pursue their academic programs. To this end, the University Committee on Academic Policy (UCAP) has framed a set of questions that should provide the type of information that students seek. In order to facilitate the transmission of this information to the students, the following procedures are established:

1. In addition to using standard university or unit-based SIRS forms in every class each semester in compliance with the Student Instructional Rating System policy, the SOCT rating system will be administered in all fall and spring semester undergraduate classes taught by faculty members at the rank of instructor or above, and specialists who are assigned to teach.
2. The SOCT online forms shall be administered within the last two weeks of classes. Students will be notified by email when access is available. The SOCT rating system will be open for a limited, established period at the end of each semester.
3. Results will be disseminated in summary form, displayed by instructor and department, once per year through a Web site accessible to students and other members of the University community with the appropriate identification. A maximum of two recent semesters taught by that instructor over a maximum of two years with a minimum of five student responses will be displayed.

The credit-by-examination option is available to qualified students. Examination may take the form of course or laboratory projects, written or oral reports, evidence of satisfactory skill performance, etc. Enrollment is subject to the provisions detailed below.

Some courses are especially designated for credit by examination in the Schedule of Courses (sections numbered 999). Students who wish to avail themselves of this option must do so through the regular enrollment procedure.

The credit-by-examination option may also be made available in courses not so designated in the Schedule of Courses. Instructors will consider requests from interested students, and may recommend to the unit administrator the offering of an ad hoc credit-by-examination section to accommodate the needs of particular students. Following approval by the unit administrator, regular enrollment procedures apply.

Provisions

1. The credit-by-examination system is designed to serve students who have the capability and discipline for independent learning. Students who are in academic difficulty should not use it.
2. Enrollment must be by approval of the department or school. Before approval is given, department and school offices and/or designated instructors will provide the student with a written statement of the materials and skills to be mastered, and the manner in which proficiency is to be demonstrated.
3. The credit-by-examination procedure is not intended, and should not be construed, as a tutorial system, or as a system comparable to regular class enrollment: students must not expect tutorial assistance from professors, and professors must not expect students to attend class.
4. Units should exclude from this option those courses in which class attendance and participation are an integral part of the instruction.
5. Academic standards shall be comparable to those applying to regular courses.
   5.1    A failing grade should be reported to the Registrar in cases of failure to appear for the examination, or failure to demonstrate 
             stipulated minimum proficiency. The I-incomplete or DF-deferred or ET-extension symbol for the postponement of a grade may 
             be used in extraordinary circumstances, providing appropriate documentation is placed in the record by the instructor and 
             approved by the assistant or associate dean.
   5.2    Credit-by-examination may not be employed as a means of repeating a course in which a low or failing grade was received, either 
             through regular enrollment or by examination.
6. Implementation of the policy is the responsibility of unit administrators, Deans, and the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

 

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers the option of a waiver examination in CSE 101 for students whose programs (a) require the course and (b) are willing to accept passage of the waiver examination in place of the actual course. Students who wish to explore this option should do the following:

1. Consult Academic Programs or the academic advisor in your major program to determine if the waiver examination is acceptable for purposes of the major.
2. For information regarding examination information such as time, date, location, and cost of examination as well as examination contents and preparation information, visit  www.cse101.lite.msu.edu.

Students may take the waiver exam only once. It must be taken prior to enrollment in the course. Pre-registration is required. The exam is proctored and administered once per semester. No make-up tests are provided. Successful completion of the test waives the requirement for participating programs but does not produce academic credit or a grade. A transcript notation will indicate the CSE 101 Waiver.

Credits Passed

Total Michigan State University credits passed on the numerical system, the Credit-No Credit (CR-NC) system, the Pass-No Grade (P-N) system, and by examination plus all credits accepted in transfer from other institutions. For a course that was repeated, only the credits associated with the last enrollment are counted in the total number of credits passed.

Credits Repeated

Total credits repeated at Michigan State University and all Michigan State University credits repeated at and accepted in transfer from other institutions.

Credits Attempted

Total Michigan State University credits for which a grade was recorded or for which the W (no grade) symbol was recorded. Credits accepted in transfer from other institutions are included in the total number of Michigan State University credits attempted. Credits in courses taken on the CR-NC system count as credits attempted irrespective of whether the outcome is CR or NC. Similarly included are all credits in courses taken on the P-N system. Credits in courses for which a V symbol was recorded are not included in credits attempted.

Grade-Point Credits

Total number of credits in all Michigan State University courses for which a numerical grade was recorded.  Credits for courses repeated on the numerical system count only for the last grade recorded.

Grade-Point System

The grade-point system and the  numerical grading scale are identical. Grade points for each course are determined by multiplying the numerical grade by the number of credits for the course.

Grade-Point Average

A measure of the student's  academic performance in Michigan State University courses for which the student received a numerical grade.

    Semester

    To compute the grade-point average for a semester, divide the total grade points for the semester by the total grade-point credits for the
    semester.

    Cumulative

    To compute the cumulative grade-point average, divide the total grade points for all semesters by the total grade-point credits for all 
    semesters.

    A cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 is required for graduation from the university for bachelor's degrees.  A cumulative grade-point 
    average of 3.00 is required for graduate degrees.

For information on Grading Systems and Repeating a Course, refer to those statements.

 

Definition

At Michigan State University, Independent Study is planned study, highly individualized, not addressable through any other course format, proposed in writing by the student on a standard form, accepted for supervision by a faculty member, and approved by the student's academic advisor and the teaching unit at the beginning of the semester.

Guidelines

Independent Study should:

1. Consist of work not described in the university catalog in any other format;
2. Be taken under a course number commensurate with the student's class level, major field, and experience;
3. Relate to a subject for which the student has adequate preparation;
4. Be directed by a faculty member with whom there is periodic contact and consultation throughout the study;
5. Not exceed 8 semester hours of credit in a single academic semester;
6. Not exceed 10 percent of the credits earned in a bachelor's program;
7. Be applied for on the form provided by the department or school or college;
8. Be approved on this form before the student enrolls for the course; registration should be completed by the end of the period for adding courses.

Michigan State University employs three systems of grading: a numerical system, a supplemental credit-no credit system, and a limited pass-no grade system.

All grades are final and may not be changed by re-examination or by the submission of additional work. See Repeating a Course.

The numerical system consists of the following scale. 4.0 - 3.5 - 3.0 - 2.5 - 2.0 - 1.5 - 1.0 - 0.0.

Grading Procedure of the Numerical System:

1. Credit is awarded at the following minimum levels:
   1.0 for undergraduate students.
   2.0 for graduate students.
   However, all grades are counted in the calculation of the grade-point average (GPA).
2. The minimum cumulative grade-point average required for graduation is a 2.00 for undergraduates and 3.00 for graduate students.
3. In particular graduate programs the number of 2.0 grades acceptable for credit may be expressly restricted and/or levels higher than the 2.0 minimum may be established for the fulfillment of degree requirements.
4. Grades given in courses completed under enrollment on the numerical system cannot be converted to credit or no-credit under the credit-no credit system.

 

The credit-no-credit system is intended to allow students to study in areas outside the major field of study without jeopardizing their grade-point averages. In the credit-no credit system the following symbols are used.

CR-Credit—means that credit is granted and represents a level of performance equivalent to or above the grade-point average required for graduation. Thus, undergraduate students must perform at or above the 2.0 level before credit is granted; graduate students must perform at or above the 3.0 level.

NC-No Credit—means that no credit is granted and represents a level of performance below the grade-point average required for graduation, i.e., below 2.0 for undergraduate students, below 3.0 for graduate students.

Grading Procedure of the CR-NC System

1. Grades on the CR-NC system are not included in computing the semester or cumulative grade-point average.
2. Enrollment on a CR-NC basis is recorded with the academic advisor and with the Registrar. The instructor's class list does not indicate which students are enrolled on CR-NC basis.
3. When the course is completed, all students are graded on the numerical system.
4. The Registrar then converts the numerical grades to credit or no credit in accord with the definitions of CR-NC stated above, but retains the numerical grades in the student's academic records.
5. When a student changes a major preference or a major, the Registrar will convert those letter grades to numerical grades in courses that are necessarily graded on the numerical system in the new major upon request by the student's college.

Enrollment in the CR-NC System
Enrollment on a CR-NC basis is open to students, at their option, subject to the following conditions:

1. Course prerequisites and other criteria for enrolling in any course shall be determined by the department or college offering the course and apply equally to both the numerical and the CR-NC systems.
2. The choice of numerical or CR-NC system does not affect admission to the course.
3. All courses in every department and college are available on a CR-NC basis unless these courses are:
   a.    Used to satisfy the Tier I writing requirement, the Tier II writing requirement, the university mathematics requirement, and 
          Integrative Studies Program requirements, or
   b.    Designated as Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 courses under the remedial-developmental-preparatory course policy.
   c.    Specifically excluded from CR-NC enrollment by the department, school, or college of the student's major preference or major, or 
          the unit recommending the student for certification.
4. Limitations:
   a.    No undergraduate student may enroll in more than a total of 20 credits on the CR-NC system in all semesters.
   b.    The limitations on the number of credits a graduate student may take in a given semester on the CR-NC basis, and the total 
           number of credits that may be taken in a given degree program on a CR-NC basis, shall be established by the college, 
          department, or school, or the unit recommending the student for certification in which the student is a major.
5. Each department, school, or college, or the unit recommending the student for certification shall designate those courses that its majors or candidates for certification may not take on the CR-NC system.
6. Choice of the CR-NC system must be communicated by the student to the Office of the Registrar within the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters) and may not be changed after that date.
7. Any course taken more than once must be repeated on the same grading system under which the course was completed the first time, except where standard requirements to the contrary must be satisfied in order to meet graduation requirements.

 

This system is used only in courses specifically approved by the University Committee on Curriculum. Non-credit courses and those involving field experience are the usual types of courses approved for P-N grading. Courses approved for P-N grading are so marked in the Schedule of Courses on the Web.

In the pass-no grade system the following symbols are used:

    P-Pass—means that credit is granted and that the student achieved a level of performance judged to be satisfactory by the instructor.

    N-No Grade—means that no credit is granted and that the student did not achieve a level of performance judged to be satisfactory by the 
    instructor.

The Conditional Pass (CP) marker is used only for graduate-professional students in the College of Human Medicine when all of the following criteria are met:

1. The student is enrolled in a 500 or 600 level course that is administered by the College of Human Medicine. The University Committee on Curriculum approved the use of the Pass-No Grade (P-N) grading system for College of Human Medicine students who are enrolled in 500 and 600 level courses in this college.
2. The student has either:
   a.    met almost all of the course objectives (criteria for passing), but is deficient in a specific, definable course segment; or
   b.    completed all of the course requirements but failed to meet the overall pass level by a narrow margin (e.g., received a 68 percent 
          overall score where 70 percent is the pass level).
3. The course instructor believes that the student's overall performance has been such that the student should not be required to repeat the entire course and that the character of the deficiency is specific and identifiable and is likely to be remediable within a foreseeable time span and through specifiable action by the student.

The required work must be completed and a grade (P or N) must be reported to the Office of the Registrar no later than the middle of the student's next semester in attendance, if that semester is within one calendar year following the receipt of the CP. An exception may be made if an instructor submits an administrative action form stating that the course structure necessitates delay of remediation grading until the end of the student's next semester in attendance.

When the specified remediation activity is completed or the time allowed for remediation has expired, the grade of P or N is assigned. The Conditional Pass marker remains on the student's academic record. Thus, the completion of the remediation activity within the time allowed results in a grade of CP/P, and failure to complete the specified remediation activity by the due date results in a grade of CP/N.

 

The V-Visitor—is recorded on the transcript in credit courses for students enrolled as a visitor on a non-credit basis. Choice of the V-Visitor must be communicated by the student to the Office of the Registrar during the first 1/14th of the term of instruction (the 5th day of classes in the Fall and Spring semesters) and may not be changed after that date.

 

When special or unusual circumstances occur, the instructor may postpone assignment of the student's final grade in a course by use of an I-Incomplete, a DF-Deferred, or an ET-Extension marker.

 

The I-Incomplete may be given only when: the student (a) has completed at least 6/7 of the term of instruction, but is unable to complete the class work and/or take the final examination because of illness or other compelling reason; and (b) has done satisfactory work in the course; and (c) in the instructor's judgment can complete the required work without repeating the course.

Provided these conditions are met, the instructor electing to give an I-Incomplete files an Agreement for Completion of (I) Incomplete at the time course grades are due. This agreement specifies what the student must do, and when, to remove the I-Incomplete. The department or school office gives a copy to the student, and retains a copy for at least one year.

The required work must be completed, and a grade must be reported to the Office of the Registrar, no later than the middle of the student's next semester in attendance (summer session excluded) if that semester is within one calendar year following receipt of the I-Incomplete. Exception to this deadline:  An instructor may submit an Administrative Action stating that course structure necessitates delay of make-up grading until the end of the student's next semester in attendance.

Failure to complete the required work by the due date will result in a grade of I/0.0, I/NC or I/N, depending on the grading system under which the student was enrolled. (A student who does not register for Michigan State University courses subsequent to receipt of an I-Incomplete has one calendar year to complete the required work; after that, the I-Incomplete will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to I/U on the student's academic record, and the course may be completed only by re-enrollment).

An extension of time for completion of the required work may be approved by the college offering the course only by means of an Administrative Action documenting physician-certified illness or other extraordinary circumstances.

An Extension of Time is a formal agreement between the instructor and the student. After an Extension of Time has been filed, the work must be done by the deadline determined by the instructor or the I-Incomplete will be changed to I/0.0, I/NC, or I/N depending on the grading system under which the student was enrolled.

 

The DF-Deferred applies to the numerical, the CR-NC, and P-N grading systems.

Given only to graduate students who are doing satisfactory work but cannot complete the course work because of reasons acceptable to the instructor.

The required work must be completed and a grade reported within six months (190 calendar days from the last class day of the term of instruction), with the option of a single six-month extension (190 calendar days). If the required work is not completed within the time limit, the DF-Deferred will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to DF/U. This rule does not apply to graduate thesis or dissertation work.

The ET-Extension applies to the numerical, the CR-NC, and P-N systems.

Given to undergraduate, graduate, and graduate-professional students only in courses specifically approved by the University Committee on Curriculum. Approval requires specification of the time period within which work must be completed. Courses that involve field experience or thesis work and courses in which work normally extends beyond one semester are the types of courses normally considered.

A final grade must be reported upon completion of the final course in the sequence or in the time approved for the completion of the work. If a final grade is not reported in these periods, the ET will be changed to ET/0.0, ET/NC or ET/N, depending on the grading system under which the student was enrolled.

An undergraduate student who received a grade of 2.0 or above, CR, or P in a course may not repeat the course on a credit basis. An undergraduate student may repeat no more than 20 credits in courses in which grades below 2.0 were received.

A  graduate student who received a grade of 2.0 or above, CR, or P in a course may not repeat the course on a credit basis with the following exception: with the approval of the associate dean, a graduate student may repeat a course in which a grade of 2.0 or 2.5 was received.  The number of credits that a graduate student may repeat is determined by the student's academic advisor or guidance committee, in accordance with unit policies.

Whenever a course is repeated on a credit basis, the last grade and credits earned completely replace the previous grade in the satisfaction of requirements and computation of grade-point averages. All entries remain a part of the student's permanent academic record. 

Any course repeated for credit must be taken on the same grading system under which the course was taken the first time, except where standard requirements to the contrary must be satisfied in order to meet graduation requirements.

Credit by Examination may not be used to repeat a course in which a grade below 2.0 was received.

A student who has taken a course as a visitor may subsequently enroll in the course for credit with the approval of his or her advisor.

 

Once recorded in the Office of the Registrar, a student's grade may not be changed unless the first grade was in error.  An Administrative Action must be submitted certifying the reasons why the first grade is in error. The request must be approved by the instructor, the chairperson of the department or school offering the course, the associate dean of the college in which the course is offered, and the student's associate dean. The time limit for the correction of grades is 30 days after the opening of the new semester.

The Office of the Registrar reserves the right to audit student records and to correct them as necessary.

 

1. The principles of truth and honesty are recognized as fundamental to a community of scholars. The university expects both instructors and students to honor these principles and, in so doing, to protect the validity of university education and grades. Practices that maintain the integrity of scholarship and grades include providing accurate information for academic and admission records, adherence to unit-approved professional standards and honor codes, and completion of original academic work by the student to whom it is assigned, without unauthorized aid of any kind. To encourage adherence to the principles of truth and honesty, instructors should exercise care in planning and supervising academic work.
2. If an instructor alleges a student has committed an act of academic misconduct, the instructor is responsible for taking appropriate action. Depending on the instructor’s judgment of a specific instance, the instructor may give the student a penalty grade. A penalty grade may be a reduced score or grade for the assignment or a reduced grade for the course. [For a definition of “penalty grade”, see Academic Freedom Report (AFR) 8.1.15 and Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR) 8.1.15.]
3. When an instructor gives an undergraduate or graduate student a penalty grade for academic misconduct, the instructor must provide a written description of the details of the academic misconduct to the student and to the student’s academic dean. The student’s academic dean will add the written description to the student’s academic record, where it will remain, unless the student successfully grieves the allegation.
4. In notifying the student’s academic dean of the student’s act of academic misconduct, the instructor may request the student’s academic dean to initiate an academic disciplinary hearing to impose sanctions in addition to, or other than, a penalty grade.
5. When in the judgment of the student’s academic dean, a sanction in addition to, or other than, a penalty grade is warranted (e.g., dismissal from a unit or program), the dean may call for an academic disciplinary hearing. In calling for an academic disciplinary hearing, the student’s academic dean may act independently or in response to a request by the instructor. [See AFR 4.3.1.1, GSRR 5.5.2, and Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities (MSRR) 5.1.3.1.]
6. A student accused of academic misconduct may request an academic grievance hearing to contest the allegation before the appropriate hearing board of the department, school, or college in which the alleged academic dishonesty occurred. In cases involving academic misconduct, no student may be dismissed from a course or program of study without an academic disciplinary hearing.
7. On the first offense of academic misconduct, the student must attend an educational program on academic integrity and academic misconduct provided by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies for undergraduate students and the Dean of The Graduate School for graduate students.
8. In cases involving undergraduate students in which the student’s academic dean, or designee, calls for an academic disciplinary hearing, the student’s academic dean will refer the case to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. The Associate Provost will notify the student in writing of the call for a disciplinary hearing and will invite the student to a meeting to determine the appropriate judiciary for the hearing. [See AFR 4.3.1.1.]
9. In cases involving graduate students in which the student’s academic dean, or designee, calls for an academic disciplinary hearing, the student’s academic dean will refer the case to the Dean of The Graduate School. The Dean of The Graduate School will notify the student in writing of the call for a disciplinary hearing and will invite the student to a meeting to determine the appropriate judiciary for the hearing. At this meeting, the student will be asked to select either an administrative disciplinary hearing conducted by the Dean of The Graduate School or a disciplinary hearing conducted by the college hearing board within the student’s college. In cases of ambiguous jurisdiction involving graduate students, the Dean of The Graduate School will select the appropriate judiciary. [See GSRR 5.5.2.]
10. Either party may appeal a decision of an administrative disciplinary hearing or a disciplinary hearing board to the appropriate appellate board. [See AFR 2.4.7.1, GSRR 5.5.2.1, and MSRR 5.8.1.]

The principles of truth and honesty are fundamental to the educational process and the academic integrity of the University; therefore, no student shall:
1.01    claim or submit the academic work of another as one's own.
1.02    procure, provide, accept or use any materials containing questions or answers to any examination or assignment without proper 
            authorization.
1.03    complete or attempt to complete any assignment or examination for another individual without proper authorization.
1.04    allow any examination or assignment to be completed for oneself, in part or in total, by another without proper authorization.
1.05    alter, tamper with, appropriate, destroy or otherwise interfere with the research, resources, or other academic work of another person.
1.06    fabricate or falsify data or results

 

17.01 Unauthorized attainment of
17.02 Unauthorized transfer of
17.03 Prima facie evidence

.01 No person shall procure in any unauthorized manner any examination question or answer related to any course of study offered at Michigan State University, regardless of the form or format in which such question or answer may originally have been maintained.

.02 No person shall furnish to any unauthorized person any examination question or answer related to any course of study offered at Michigan State University, regardless of the form or format in which such question or answer may originally have been maintained.

.03 The unauthorized possession of any of the aforesaid examination documents shall be considered prima facie evidence of an attempt to violate the provisions of this section.

 

The university expects student conduct and behavior to reflect qualities of good citizenship. The out-of-classroom activities of Michigan State University students should reflect favorably upon the institution and should indicate the personal integrity of the individual.

See Spartan Life for specific policies, ordinances and regulations that define some of the relevant university expectations.

A Grade Report of a student's grades earned in each course is available to the student at the end of each semester or summer session electronically at www.stuinfo.msu.edu.

Due to unsatisfactory work, a student may be warned, placed on probation, academically recessed, or academically dismissed from the university.

A permanent record of all the student's courses, credits and grades earned is kept in the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building. The permanent record reflects all courses taken while enrolled at any academic level at Michigan State University. Records are regularly audited and corrected as necessary. The student should maintain a record of courses, credits and grades each semester or summer session and check from time to time to see that this record agrees with that of the university. The record may also help the student determine eligibility for any activity that requires meeting specific scholastic standards.

 

A copy of a student's complete permanent record is available to the student upon receipt of a request and advance payment of $5.00 for each transcript. The permanent record reflects all courses taken while enrolled at any academic level at Michigan State University.  (See Costs in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.) Transcripts can be requested at www.reg.msu.edu/Transcripts  with payment by American Express, Discover, Mastercard,  Visa credit card or ACH payment. Requests can also be made by telephone, in person, or by writing to the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-0210. The university reserves the right to withhold the transcript in case of delinquent student indebtedness to the university. However, the Student Accounts Office may authorize release of a transcript directly to a prospective employer on an exception basis.

 

A certified copy of the student's diploma is available to the student. The student must bring the original diploma and a five-dollar advance payment for each copy to the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building. (See Costs in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.)

 

Michigan State University has been awarding honorary degrees since 1885 to honor distinguished persons for their contributions to their field and to society. Nominees exemplify the values inherent in MSU’s mission. Past recipients include accomplished scientists, humanists, scholars of the arts, members of the professions, and persons in public life or business. Invitations to nominees are issued only by the President.

For more information on the nomination process, visit www.msu.edu/~vprgs/honorarydeg/HonoraryDegrees.htm.

 

Michigan State University complies fully with the letter and spirit of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) which governs access to, and confidentiality of, student records.

As a means of complying with this act, the university has developed the Michigan State University Access to Student Information. These Guidelines are reproduced below.

Introduction
Michigan State University (“the University”) maintains student education records and is responsible for their access to and release in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (“FERPA”).  It is the policy of the University to comply with FERPA.

Reason for Guidelines
These guidelines comply with and are more restrictive than the standards established in FERPA. The guidelines govern the procedures for maintenance and access to student education records held by the University. The guidelines have a two-fold purpose:

1. To protect a student’s right to privacy of information in the University’s possession concerning the student; and
2. To provide guidance on release or disclosure of student information required by law and as necessary for the effective functioning of the campus community.

Who Should Read These Guidelines
All University students, faculty and staff with access to student education records should read and be familiar with these guidelines. These guidelines replace the Guidelines Governing Privacy and Release of Student Records.

Notification of Student Rights under FERPA
All currently enrolled students at the University are notified annually of their rights under FERPA. The Michigan State University Notification of Student Rights under FERPA is available at: www.reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Text.asp?Section=112#s542.

Definitions
The following definitions apply to terms as they are used in these guidelines.

Confidential Records
Confidential records are all records containing personally identifiable student information that is not designated as directory information.  Such records include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) academic evaluations and grades; (2) counseling and advising records; (3) disciplinary records; (4) financial aid records; (5) letters of recommendation; (6) medical and psychological records; (7) police records; (8) transcripts and other academic records; (9) scores on tests required for new students; and (10) billing and fee payment records.

Directory Information
Directory information is information in a student’s education record which may be disclosed to outside parties without a student’s prior written consent. Disclosure of directory information about a student is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Information that the University has designated as directory information is listed in Michigan State University Notification of Student Rights under FERPA.
Currently enrolled students may restrict the release of directory information by notifying the Office of the Registrar or updating their directory restrictions online through the Office of the Registrar Web site.

Education Records
Education records are those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the University or by a party acting on behalf of the University. This includes information or data recorded in any medium including, but not limited to, handwriting, print, tapes, film, microfilm, microfiche, and any electronic storage or retrieval media.

Education records exclude: (1) records that are in the sole possession of school officials and are not accessible by other personnel; (2) law enforcement or campus security records that are maintained or created by the law enforcement unit for the purpose of law enforcement; (3) employment records relating to students who are employed by the University, unless the employment is a result of his/her status as a student; (4) records created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional or paraprofessional, that are used only in connection with the treatment of the student and are not available to anyone other than those providing such treatment; and (5) records that contain information about an individual after that person is no longer a student at the University, unless the records pertain to the individual’s previous attendance as a student.

FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html).

Legitimate Educational Interest
An individual has a legitimate educational interest in education records if the information or record is relevant and necessary to the accomplishment of some employment or other institutional task, service, or function.

Parent
A parent is an individual that is the natural parent, the guardian, or the individual acting as the parent in the absence of a parent or guardian, of a student at the University.

Personally Identifiable Information
Personally identifiable information is any information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the campus community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty.  Examples of personally identifiable information include, but are not limited to: (1) the student’s name; (2) name of the student’s parent or other family member; (3) the address of the student or student’s family; (4) a personal identifier, such as a student’s social security number or student number; (5) the student’s date and place of birth; (6) the student’s mother’s maiden name; (7) biometric record; and (8) a list of personal characteristics or other information that would identify the student with reasonable certainty. Personally identifiable information also includes information requested by a person who the University reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.

School Official
A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic/research, or support staff position; contractors, consultants, volunteers and other non-employees performing institutional services and functions; and a person serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

Student
A student is any individual with respect to whom the University maintains education records and has been in attendance at the University. A student’s education records are protected under these guidelines beginning on the first day of classes of the student’s first semester of enrollment. No student shall be required to waive his or her rights under FERPA as a condition of admission or for the receipt of any services or benefits.

Responsibilities

Anyone Who Maintains or Seeks Access to Education Records
Maintain and release records in accordance with FERPA and these guidelines. (http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html)

Office of Planning and Budgets
Maintain and provide external reporting of institutional data, such as to federal and state specified surveys, which may include student information.  Provide internal access and analytical reports of data for institutional studies and research.

Student
Read the Michigan State University Notification of Student Rights under FERPA and these guidelines.

University Registrar
Disseminate Michigan State University Notification of Student Rights under FERPA.

Manage the process by which students opt-out or restrict disclosure of their directory information.

Administer the process to determine whether alleged errors in education records are misleading, inaccurate, or in violation of a student’s privacy rights.

Facilitate communications with appropriate school officials when advice, clarification or direction on release of confidential information is permissible.

Facilitate all responses to third party requests, subpoenas or judicial orders for student education records.

Oversee campus compliance, education and awareness of FERPA.

Procedures

Disclosure to Students
Currently enrolled and former students have the right to inspect and review their education records upon proper identification. Requests for access to records must be granted within a reasonable period of time, but in no case later than forty-five (45) days from the date of request.

Appeal
A student who is denied access to his/her records may appeal in writing to the dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official maintaining the records. If the decision to deny access is upheld, the school official handling the appeal must provide a written statement to the student regarding the basis for the denial within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal. Following the appeal, the student or the school official may request the Committee on Release of Confidential Information to provide guidance on the rules and policies concerning access to education records. If the Committee determines that the requested record is an education record to which the student may have access under FERPA and these guidelines, the record shall be made available to the student.

Applicants have the right to review records and data submitted for admission with an admissions officer. Those denied admission must exercise this right within six months of the date of denial. The decision to admit or deny admissions is, however, a composite professional decision not subject to review.

Letters of Recommendation
Students may not have access to letters of recommendation or statements of evaluation obtained or prepared before January 1, 1975.  A student may waive his/her right to access letters of recommendation obtained after January 1, 1975.  A student who wishes to waive his/her right to access letters of recommendation must provide a signed statement of waiver to the author of the letter or the Office of the Registrar.

Amendment of Record
A currently enrolled or former student has the right to request an amendment of records that he/she believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  A request to amend a record should be made in writing to the University official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed and specifying why it should be changed.  If the student’s request to amend is denied, the University official will notify the student in writing of the decision and the right to a hearing on the decision.

A request for a hearing on the denial of a request to amend records must be made in writing to the Chairperson of the Committee on Release of Confidential Information through the Office of the Provost.  The Committee will assign a hearing officer to conduct the hearing.  The student is entitled to have an advisor present at the hearing at the student’s expense.  The University may designate an individual to represent its interests.

Following the hearing, the hearing officer will prepare a report with a recommendation and send copies of same to the Chairperson of the Committee, the student, and the University official responsible for the records.  Within ten (10) days of receipt of the hearing officer’s decision, the student or the University may make an appeal in writing to the Provost.  The Provost will make a final determination on such an appeal in a timely manner following review of records of the hearing, the hearing officer’s report, and any other relevant information.  If the Provost determines the record is factually incorrect, the record shall be amended in accord with the final determination.  If the student is dissatisfied with the final determination, the student has the right tofile a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office at the U.S. Department of Education.

Disclosure to Third Parties
Personally identifiable information from a student’s education records may not be released to third parties without the student’s prior written consent, with certain exceptions.  The exceptions to the consent requirement are limited to the following:

1. Disclosure to School Officials. Student records can be disclosed without written consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. All confidential records may be disclosed only on a NEED TO KNOW BASIS. Specifically, a school official requesting information must have a legitimate need for the requested information for the effective functioning of his or her position or office. Determination as to whether the need to know requirement has been satisfied is made by the head administrator for the unit retaining the information or by the President of the University. All information released can only be used for the purpose intended.
   For purposes of the school officials exception, education records may be disclosed without consent to contractors, consultants, and other outside parties to whom the University has outsourced institutional services or functions that it would otherwise use employees to perform, provided that the outside party is under the direct control of the University with respect to the use and maintenance of the education records and subject to the same conditions governing the use and redisclosure of education records that apply to other school officials.  The outside party must sign a statement indicating their compliance with the non-redisclosure provisions of FERPA prior to receiving any student information.
2. Disclosure pursuant to Judicial Order. Student education records may be released if properly subpoenaed pursuant to a judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding. In all such cases, reasonable attempts will be made to notify the student of the judicial order in advance of compliance, as permitted by law.
3. Disclosure pursuant to Requests for Financial Aid.  Student education records relevant to the student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid may be disclosed without the student’s prior written consent.
4. Disclosure to Federal and State Authorities.  Authorized federal and state officials may have access to student education records as required by the audit and evaluation of state and federally supported education programs,or in connection with the enforcement of federal legal requirements which relate to such programs.
5. Disclosure to Accrediting and Professional Associations. Designated representatives of accrediting and other professional organizations with which the University is affiliated may have access to student education records to the extent necessary to fulfill the obligation of that affiliation.
6. Disclosure pursuant to Student’s Delinquency on Payment. Student education records may be disclosed as necessary to effect collection of a student’s financial obligations to the University.
7. Disclosure pursuant to Litigation against the University. Student education records deemed necessary for the defense of the University in a suit filed by a student may be disclosed to attorneys representing the University.
8. Disclosure pursuant to the University’s Obligations to Support Study and Research.  The University may disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without consent if the disclosure is to an organization conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the University to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.  Requests for access to student education records under the studies exception must be approved by the Committee on Release of Confidential Information.  Such requests will be fulfilled, if possible, by information from which all identification of the student has been removed.
   The written agreement between the University and the organization conducting the study must specify the purpose, scope, and duration of the study and the information to be disclosed; require the organization to use personally identifiable information from education records only to meet the purposes of the study; limit any disclosures of information to individuals in the organization who have a legitimate interest in the information; and require the organization to destroy or return to the University all personally identifiable information within a specified time period when the information is no longer needed for the purposes of the study.
   For information concerning mass e-mail distribution and/or procedures related to conducting approved research involving surveys, please review the “Appropriate Use of MSU E-mail Services by Internal Users on MSUNET” (http://lct.msu.edu/guidelines-policies/bulkemail.html), and the “Procedure to Request Confidential Student Data in Support of University Research” (http://reg.msu.edu/read/pdf/ResearchProcedure.pdf).
9. Disclosure to Protect the Health and Safety of an Individual. The University may disclose information from education records to appropriate parties including, but not limited to, parents of an eligible student, whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or another individual if there is a significant and articulable threat to the health or safety of a student or other individual, considering the totality of the circumstances. The University must record the articulable and significant threat that formed the basis for the disclosure and the parties to whom the information was disclosed.
10. Disclosure Pursuant to the Wetterling Act, 42 U.S.C. 14071. The University may disclose without consent information received under the Wetterling Act about a student who is required to register as a sex offender.
    Student education records disclosed to a third party are subject to the condition that the third party will not permit any other party to have access to the records without prior approval from the University.

Parents or Legal Guardians
The University does not make disclosures of information to parents or legal guardians without written consent from the student.  However, consistent with FERPA, the University does not need a student’s consent to release information from education records to parents or other appropriate individuals in the case of health and safety emergencies.

Data Requests
All academic and administrative units at the University seeking student and institutional data have: (1) full access to the Enrollment and Term-End Reports: (http://www.reg.msu.edu/RoInfo/EnrTermEndRpts.asp) through the Office of the Registrar; (2) full access to Institutional Studies and historical data reports through the Office of Planning and Budgets (http://opbweb.msu.edu/); and (3) restricted access to the Student Information Generator: (https://www.reg.msu.edu/StuInfoGen/Menu.asp).

Requests for student information beyond the scope of the systems referenced above should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar using the Data Request Form available online at:(https://reg.msu.edu/StuInfoGen/DataRequest.asp).

Only the Office of the Registrar is authorized to fulfill such requests. All other units and organizations may not release student or institutional data without prior approval by the appropriate Vice-President and authorization by the Office of the Provost.

If the data request involves confidential student data and university research, please review the “Procedure to Request Confidential Student Data in Support of University Research”: (http://www.reg.msu.edu/read/pdf/ResearchProcedure.pdf).

Requests from recognized educational or governmental organizations for student or institutional data by should be addressed to:
    Michigan State University
    Associate Registrar for Academic Records
    186 Hannah Administration Bldg.
    East Lansing, MI  48824-0210

All data requests are subject to review and approval for compliance with FERPA and University policies.

The University does not release student information for commercial purposes.

Fees
Requests which require extensive labor, interfere with regular operations, or require data in specific formats (e.g. mailing labels) may be denied or charged a fee for the service. An estimate of the fees may be provided upon request.

Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), M.C.L. 15.231 et seq., regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in the state. FOIA provides that all communications of a public body are subject to disclosure unless specifically exempted by the Act. A public body may, but is not required to, withhold from public disclosure those categories of public records exempt from disclosure under the Act.
    All FOIA requests must be submitted to:
    MSU Freedom of Information Act Office
    117 Olds Hall
    Michigan State University
    East Lansing, MI  48824

Further Information
If circumstances arise involving release of confidential information that are not covered in the University’s Academic Programs catalog or by these guidelines, the President, the Provost, the Dean of the College, or the Chairperson of the Committee on Release of Confidential Information should be contacted for advice, clarification, or direction.

 

Functions, services, and processes of the University must be protected if the institution is to be effective in discharging its responsibilities; therefore, no student shall:

5.01    provide false information for the purpose of gaining benefit for oneself or others to any office, agency, or individual acting on behalf of the 
            University.

5.02    interfere with the functions and services of the University (for example, including, but not limited to, classes, social, cultural, and athletic 
            events, computing services, registration, housing and food services, governance meetings and judicial hearings) such that the function 
            or service is obstructed or disrupted.

5.03    alter or forge any University document and/or record, including identification materials, issued or used by the University.

5.04    allow any University document and/or record, including identification materials, issued by the University for one's own use to be used by 
            another.

5.05    use any University document and/or record for other than its authorized purpose, including identification materials issued to another.

5.06    act as an agent of the University unless authorized to do so.

5.07    fail to present correct identification issued by the University for the student's use when requested to do so by an authorized University 
            agent acting in the performance of designated job responsibilities or who has reason to believe that the student may be involved in the 
            violation of a regulation.

5.08    without proper authorization, sell or make contracts for purchase or delivery of any commercial merchandise or services for personal 
            profit or gain, or solicit voluntary contributions for organizations.

 

14.01 False copy
14.02 Possession of false copy
14.03 Unauthorized keys

.01  No person with intent to injure or defraud shall falsely make, forge, manufacture, print, reproduce, copy, tamper with, or alter, any writing, record, document or identification used or maintained by Michigan State University.

.02  No person shall knowingly possess, display or cause or permit to be displayed any writing, record, document, or identification form used or maintained by Michigan State University knowing the same to be fictitious, altered, forged, counterfeited or made without proper authority.

.03 No person without proper authority shall knowingly possess, make, or cause to be made, any key, card, or unlocking device, to operate any lock or locking mechanism used or maintained by Michigan State University.

It has always been the policy of the University to permit students and faculty to observe those holidays set aside by their chosen religious faith.

The faculty and staff should be sensitive to the observance of these holidays so that students who absent themselves from classes on these days are not seriously disadvantaged. It is the responsibility of those students who wish to be absent to make arrangements in advance with their instructors. It is also the responsibility of those faculty who wish to be absent to make arrangements in advance with their chairpersons, who shall assume the responsibility for covering their classes.

As Michigan State University has become increasingly multicultural, the incidence of conflicts between mandatory academic requirements and religious observances has increased. In the absence of a simple and dignified way to determine the validity of individual claims, the claim of a religious conflict should be accepted at face value. Be aware that some degrees of observance may have a more extensive period of observance. Instructors may expect a reasonable limit to the number of requests by any one student. Some instructors attempt to cover all reasons for student absences from required academic events such as quizzes or exams with a blanket policy, e.g., allowing the student to drop one grade or two quizzes without penalty. If this is meant to extend to religious observances, the instructor should state this clearly at the beginning of the term. If instructors require make-up exams, they retain the right to determine the content of the exams and the conditions of administration, giving due consideration to equitable treatment.

 

Borrowers are responsible for understanding the policies related to any library material they check out.

Items on open shelves are available for use by anyone in the library.  In order to check out material, or use Reserves, Reference, or other restricted material, a library card and a picture ID must be presented.  Library material must be checked out before leaving the building.

Material may not be checked out for others.  A borrower is financially responsible for all material checked out using his/her card. Therefore, theft/loss of an  MSU ID or library card must be reported immediately by calling Circulation at 1-517-355-2333.

Borrower Responsibilities and Lending Policies

1. Due Dates and Care of Material
   
   Borrowers are responsible for knowing the dates books are due and returning (or renewing) them promptly.
   
   Material must be returned in the same condition that it was in when it was checked out.  Borrowers are financially responsible for damage that occurs while material is checked out to them.  To protect themselves, borrowers who notice damage before checking out a book should bring it to the attention of Circulation staff, who will note it.  Borrowers are also financially responsible for material stolen while checked out to them, so checked out items should never be left unattended.
   
   Checked-out material will be recalled if requested by another user and may be given a new (earlier) due date.  These must be promptly returned to avoid recall fines.  To prevent recall fines while out of town (breaks between semesters, vacation, sabbatical, university business, etc.), a borrower should return library material before leaving — or make arrangements with someone to watch for recalls, have access to one’s checked out material, and return recalled items.
   
   
2. Returning Material
   
   Please return laptops, videos, and items from Reserve, Reference, Art, Maps, Music, and Software to the desk where they were checked out.  Place other material in any book return, at the Main Library (24 hour drops at both entrances) or a branch — or mail it to: Book Returns, Circulation, MSU, 100 Library, East Lansing, MI 48824-1048; postal insurance of $50 per volume is suggested.  (If overdue fines are involved, the postmark will be considered the date of return.)
   
   For written confirmation of the return of library material,  take it to the Main Circulation (instead of placing it in a book return) and ask the Desk Supervisor for a receipt.
   
   
3. Renewals
   
   Library material must be renewed to extend the due date; renewals are not automatic.  Borrowers may renew online via “Your Account” at: www.lib.msu.edu — phone renewals are not possible.  All material may be renewed except recalled items and reserves, software, CDs, records, videodiscs, special permission checkouts, and laptops, and some 3-day and 7-day material.
   
   
4. Recall of Checked Out Material
   
   The library usually has only one copy of each title to support the information needs of the entire MSU community.  Therefore, we will recall any material that is checked-out if it is requested by someone else.  Recalled material cannot  be renewed.  If the checkout period was more than 14 days, the recall notice may include a new due date (earlier than the original due date).
   
   If a recalled item is not returned by the specified date, the borrower’s library privileges will be suspended until it is returned and recall fines of $1.00 per day will be charged.  Fines for items returned after the recall due date are the responsibility of the borrower regardless of being away from campus for breaks between semesters, vacations, exams, illness, car troubles, sabbatical leaves, off-campus university business, unread University-email, late or never-received recall or reminder notices, etc.  If a borrower will be away, that person must assure that checked out material will be available to others during the absence.  Material should either be  returned before leaving or arrangements should be made for someone to watch the absent borrower’s mail for recalls, have access to checked out material, and return recalled items.
   
   If you need an item that is checked out, please request a “recall” at the Main Library Circulation Desk, a branch library, or by using library webforms (www.lib.msu.edu/services/).  Circulation staff will send the borrower a recall notice, indicating that the material must be returned within fourteen days or be subject to fines of $1 per day.  When returned, it will be held  at the Main Library (or a branch) for ten days and you will be notified to pick it up.
   
   
5. Library Cards/MSU ID Cards
   
   Material may not be checked out for others.  A borrower is financially responsible for all material checked out using his/her card. Therefore, theft/loss of an  MSU ID or library card must be reported immediately by calling Circulation at 1-517-355-2333.
   
   MSU IDs (available for students, faculty and staff at the Registrar’s Office, 50 Administration) are issued with a library barcode.  When an MSU student activates his/her MSU e-mail account, the barcode number is entered automatically into library records.  If a student has not activated MSU e-mail, the student (like faculty and staff) may have the barcode added  to library records at the Main Library Circulation Desk  or a branch library before checking out material.
   
   A photo ID is required to register an  MSU ID.   If a borrower’s library card or MSU ID lacks a picture,  an additional photo ID will always be required to check out material.
   
   
6. Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
   
   Disability-related accommodations may be requested by emailing atc@mail.lib.msu.edu or calling 1-517-432-6123 x196.
   
   
7. Responsibilities Regarding Postal and E-Mail Addresses for Library Notices
   
   Library addresses for MSU students are loaded automatically to MAGIC from MSU Registrar records, which require students (except those in University housing) to report local or permanent address changes at www.lib.msu.edu/forms/address or 150 Administration Building.   Even if a student does not move, the MSU Registrar requires reconfirmation of local address at the beginning of each summer and each fall!  If a student does not reconfirm, mail will be sent to permanent address, causing delays in vital correspondence from the Libraries (possibly resulting in fines for which the student will be held responsible).
   
   Faculty/staff members must report address changes via departmental secretaries.  Community borrowers must report e-mail and postal address changes at the Circulation Desk (1st floor lobby) or via e-mail to circadm@mail.lib.msu.edu
   
   Notices about library material are automatically sent to the MSU e-mail addresses of MSU students, faculty, and staff. It is the borrower’s responsibility to read MSU e-mail regularly or set MSU mail to forward to an e-mail account that is read regularly.
   
   
8. Overdue Fines
   
   Fines and bills are the responsibility of the borrower regardless of being away from campus for breaks between semesters, vacations, exams, illness, car troubles, sabbatical leaves, unread MSU e-mail, late or never-received reminder notices, etc.  Fine amounts are not calculated until after material is returned.  Material returned after closing is not considered returned until the next day the library is open.
   
   When a borrower owes $2 or more, library privileges are suspended without notice until account is paid in full.  Payment may be made by mail (see address at end of this document) or at the Main Library Circulation Desk.
   
   The MSU Libraries have a “no fines” policy for most material.  Borrower cooperation in returning or renewing material promptly after receiving reminder notices will help retain this policy.  Fines are charged for overdue recalled items  and  reserve material, software, CDs, records, videodiscs, special permission checkouts, and laptops.
   
   - Overdue fines for reserve material are $1.00 per item per hour, 24 hours per day, from the time due until the time returned, with no grace period ($24.00 per day).
   
   - Overdue fines for recalled items, software, CDs, records, videos, and special permission checkouts are $1 per day from the due date until the day returned, with no grace period.
   
   - Overdue fines for laptop computers are $6 per hour, 24 hours per day, from the time due until the time returned, with no grace period ($144.00 per day).
   
   - Overdue fines for material from other libraries (ILLiad or MeLCat) are $2.00 per day.
   
   
9. Bills for Replacement of Long-Overdue Material
   
   When an item is significantly overdue, the borrower is billed for replacement and borrowing privileges are suspended until the account is paid in full or material is returned or replaced by the borrower.  Holds are placed on MSU student enrollment, registration, diplomas, and transcripts, which also remain until the account is paid in full. 
   
   Minimum replacement charges are $50 for a book, $75 for a periodical.  Current market value is charged whenever it is higher than the minimum replacement charge.
   
   - Billed material must be brought to the desk and be renewed in person — self-renewal is not allowed.
   
   - When a billed item is returned, the replacement charge is canceled but overdue fines may be charged.
   
   - Unresolved bills may be turned over to a collection agency any time after 30 days.
   
   
10. Community Borrowers
    
    Michigan residents at least 18 years old (who are not MSU students, faculty, or staff) are eligible for community library privileges.  Community borrowers must present photo ID and proof of Michigan residence to obtain an MSU library card.  If the individual has no outstanding fines or bills from a previous MSU library account, a card will be issued.  (Community borrowers cannot check out periodicals, software, CDs, records, videodiscs or laptops.)
    
    
11. To Check Out Material
    
    Each time borrowers wish to check out material, their own current MSU ID or library card and a photo ID card must be presented.  One’s library card and a photo ID are also required to use Reserve material, the Audio-Visual Library,  or any material that must be requested from library staff.
    
    
12. Main Library Loan Periods
    
    Some materials cannot be checked out at all, including: high-use periodicals published within the last 10 years, Art journals, Reference materials, items stamped “do not circulate,” Special Collections materials, microforms, etc.  Limiting use of these high demand materials to within the library provides optimum availability to all users.  Reserve materials circulate for either 2 hours, 24 hours, or 3 days, as specified by the instructor, to all borrowers. NOTE: Reserve materials with a “two hour no overnight” loan period are building use only.
    
    Loan periods for most other categories of library material are listed below.
    
    a.    Browsing Collection:  14 days for all borrowers
    b.    Careers Collection:  3 days for all borrowers
    c.    Other Collections:
    
            (1)   Faculty and Staff:  180 days
            (2)   Graduate Student:  180 days
            (3)   Undergraduates: 21 days
            (4)   Student Spouses and Community borrowers:  14 days
    
    d.    “Periodicals” published in the last 10 years may not be checked out.
    
    
13. Legal Implications
    
    Removing material from the MSU  libraries without checking it out may result in criminal charges.
    
    Michigan Compiled Law (MCL750.391) defines damaging library material (or keeping it overdue) as larceny.
    
    Unresolved bills may be turned over to a collection agency any time after 30 days.
    
    ID cards are MSU property; if used by anyone other than the identified person, they will be confiscated on the spot.
    
    The confidentiality of library records in the State of Michigan is protected by the "Library Privacy Act," Michigan Compiled Laws 397.601-606, Act 455 of 1982. Federal law may supercede Michigan law.

 

Students expecting to graduate in a given semester must file an application on or before the end of first week of the semester to assure a certification check and listing of their name in the commencement program. Summer graduates must apply by the first week of Spring semester.

Applications must be filed with the Office of the Registrar at www.reg.msu.edu.

Degrees are granted with a fall, spring, or summer effective date when all graduation requirements are met. Michigan State University supports fall and spring commencement exercises for the awarding of bachelor's, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Transcripts and diplomas are held until all financial holds have been paid in full. However, the Student Accounts Office may release a transcript directly to a prospective employer on an exception basis.

Visit www.commencement.msu.edu.

The Michigan State University campus in East Lansing occupies 5,239 contiguous acres and has long been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the nation.  The developed campus comprises 2,100 acres, and the remaining 3,139 acres are devoted to experimental farms, outlying research facilities, a 36-hole golf course, and natural areas.  The gently rolling campus is graced by a park-like landscape, traversed by the scenic Red Cedar River.  Campus beauty is enhanced by a mature collection of trees, shrubs, and woody vines that serve teaching and research functions with over 36,000 plants accounted for in an interactive digital database.  The rich campus open space complements and unifies the 544 permanent university buildings that provide over 22.5 million gross square feet of space to serve the institution’s land- grant mission.

The spacious arboretum-like campus is punctuated at intervals by focal points of plant interest. Notable among these are W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, and the Sanford, Red Cedar, Baker, Bear Lake, and Toumey Natural Areas. The six-acre W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, established in 1873, is recognized as the oldest continuously operated garden of this type in North America. It includes approximately 3,000 taxa organized in economic, systematic, ecological, and landscape groupings. The Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, which showcase beautiful displays of 1200 varieties of flowering plants, are used for instruction and demonstration and for testing the performance of plants in the climate of central Michigan. They include an All-America Trial Garden for annual plants and an All-America Display Garden for roses. Natural areas on the campus are protected vestiges of our natural heritage and include Toumey Woodlot, a virgin beech-maple forest designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a Natural Landmark. Development in the natural areas is held to the minimum necessary to assure that their manifold teaching, research, recreational, and inspirational values will continue to serve generations of future students.

 

The Abrams Planetarium provides university instruction, special programs for visiting elementary and secondary school children, and educational entertainment for the public. See the College of Natural Science section of this catalog for additional information.

 

Nestled amidst the shrubs and upon the lawns that slope gently down to the Red Cedar River stands the picturesque Alumni Memorial Chapel. Thousands of Michigan State University students and alumni have chosen the chapel to hold their wedding ceremonies since its dedication on June 7, 1952. Its simple elegance, timbered ceilings, stained glass windows and Collegiate Gothic charm are among the reasons many  travel from around the world to celebrate weddings, baptisms, and memorials at their alma mater.

The chapel was built  "in honor of those who served their country" and "in memory of those students and alumni who made the supreme sacrifice." Over 5,000 alumni and friends of the university raised the initial $200,000 to build the chapel.

The Michigan State University Alumni Memorial Chapel seats 190 people. Accommodating all faiths, each ceremony is treated with the same care and reverence.This commitment to excellence has made countless weddings at the chapel unique. To schedule use of the Michigan State University Alumni Memorial Chapel, contact the Michigan State University Union Sales Departments, 1-517-355-3464.

 

Athletic facilities at Michigan State University are described briefly in the statements that follow. The Jenison Field House has complete synthetic surfacing for track and a seating capacity of 4,000. The Breslin Student Events Center, a multi-purpose building, has two auxiliary gymnasiums for basketball practice and a seating capacity of 15,500 for basketball games and other student events. The Munn Ice Arena is available for ice hockey, skating, athletic events, and student-sponsored pop concerts and has a seating capacity of 6,255. The Indoor Tennis Facility has eight courts and a seating capacity of 1200. Twenty varsity and recreational tennis courts are located south of the Duffy Daugherty Football Building, with 15 additional recreational courts located in the east campus area near Fee Hall. Spartan Stadium has a playing area covered with grass and is used for football games and for large outdoor occasions. It has a seating capacity of 75,000. The Duffy Daugherty Football Building has a full-size indoor football field and a roof height of 65 feet. The two 18-hole Forest Akers Golf Courses were financed in part through a gift from Forest Akers, a long-time member of the University governing board. They are located at the corner of Mt. Hope and Harrison roads. Included with the courses are practice driving ranges and practice greens. Old College Field is the location of the baseball, softball and soccer fields. The Track and Field Hockey Facility has an all-weather track and artificial turf infield available to students and faculty. Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center is a 31,000 square foot facility that houses a computer lab with 74 stations, a 210 seat auditorium, two 70 seat study areas, 10 individual tutorial rooms and 10 staff offices.

 

Both Fairchild Theatre (600 seats) and the main Auditorium (3,700 seats) feature a variety of performing arts events as well as formal lectures and commencement ceremonies. The classrooms, studios and offices of the Department of Theatre are in this building. The Auditorium is managed by Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

 

This familiar landmark stands on the site of the first building in America where agriculture was taught as a science on a university campus. The Tower contains a 49-bell carillon.

 

Built in 1963, and substantially expanded in 2002, the Delia Koo International Academic Center continues to be the hub of international activity at Michigan State University. Housed within the International Center is the Office of International Studies and Programs (ISP), a university-level office, led by a dean who supports and encourages international activities throughout the institution. Within ISP are offices with responsibility for study abroad, international students and scholars, international development activities and Peace Corps recruiting, as well as area studies centers focusing on Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe and Russia and Latin America and the Caribbean. ISP has strong ties to thematic international units across the campus focusing on international aspects of agriculture, business, education, engineering, gender, health, and languages. Additionally, the Visiting International Professional Program, the Japan Center for Michigan Universities, the Office of International Development, the International Teaching Assistants Program, Community Volunteers for International Programs, and visiting international scholars affiliated with the international and thematic centers also have offices here. The building features office areas, and meeting rooms. The International Center also houses the Volunteer English Tutoring Program, a language-tutoring program for the international community, and is available for use by Michigan State University's many other international centers and institutes. ISP hosts myriad international conferences, seminars, colloquia, and workshops. Other companion residents include the Cross Roads Food Court and the Michigan State University Spartan Bookstore. Adjacent to the lobby area is room 115 formerly known as the International Center Library. Primarily used as a classroom, room 115 is available for large meetings and is often the site of academic governance sessions during the academic year. To request use of room 115, contact classroom scheduling in the Office of the Registrar. Registered student organizations may request to use the lobby area through the Department of Student Life for various cultural, social and recreational activities. Similarly, the International Center is one of the sites hosting Campus Center activities.

 

Intramural and recreative facilities include four buildings, four pools, and 45 acres of outdoor space, fields for softball, touch football, soccer, rugby, and ultimate frisbee.

IM SPORTS WEST, an accessible facility, provides courts for paddleball, racquetball, handball, and squash; gyms for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; a turf arena for tennis and club activities; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; and a contemporary fitness center.

IM SPORTS EAST provides barrier-free accessibility for basketball, volleyball, paddleball, racquetball, wally ball, and squash; a four-lane running track; an exercise-fitness room; and a multipurpose room for aerobics and sports club use.

IM SPORTS CIRCLE, an accessible facility, contains gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; a swimming pool;  and a multipurpose activity room.

DEMONSTRATION HALL arena is used for indoor soccer and roller-hockey and for community and student special events. The IM Sailing Center provides learn-to-sail classes for adults and children and open sailing hours. For more information visit www.imsports.msu.edu or call the main office at (517) 355-5250.

 

Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center plays a key role in the fulfillment of the university’s land-grant mission.  Built in 1951 in partnership with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kellogg Center has been a model facility for continuing education.

Today, Kellogg Center serves as the primary location for university sponsored seminar and outreach programs, extending expertise and resources to the entire state and around the world. Each year, over 400,000 people participate in conferences and workshops.  Available to the public as well as the university community, the Kellogg Center is a hub for community activities, corporate meetings and social events, serving an additional 400,000 annually.

Kellogg Center is a full-service conference center and hotel with 160 guest rooms including 5 suites, 35,000 square feet of flexible function space, 24 meeting rooms, 8 banquet rooms and professional conference and event coordinators.  Also located in this state-of-the-art conference facility are the teaching laboratories for The School of Hospitality Business.

 

A gift of the S. S. Kresge Foundation, this building houses the Department of Art and Art History and the Kresge Art Museum. Among its resources are lecture classrooms for art history and disciplinary studios for ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Other resources housed within the Kresge Art Center include: a well-equipped woodshop, a professional lighting studio for documentation of artwork, two state-of-the-art digital labs, a visual resource library, an art store/café, and the Kresge Art Museum. The Department of Art and Art History Gallery 101 and 114 provide additional exhibition space and feature rotating exhibits throughout the year. All gallery exhibits are open to the public. For additional information call 1-517-355-7610 or visit www.art.msu.edu.

 

The Kresge Art Museum has a wide ranging permanent collection and a variety of changing exhibitions on display free to the public. Trained guides offer tours to groups. Lectures and special events are offered throughout the year.

Kresge Art Museum academic-year hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday; 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For further information regarding the collection, exhibitions, programming and summer hours, see the College of Arts and Letters section of this catalog; email: kamuseum@msu.edu; call 1-517-355-7631 (recorded information) or 1-517-353-9834; or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu.

See the Other Departments and Offices for Research and Services section for a description of Libraries.

 

The Michigan State University Museum is the state's natural history and culture museum. The Michigan State University Museum provides programs in education, exhibitions, research and the building and stewardship of collections that focus on Michigan and its relationship to the Great Lakes and the world beyond. For more information, visit www.museum.msu.edu.

 

The MSU Union is a busy life-style center offering shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, flexible function space and convenience amenities designed to serve the Michigan State University community. Located at the corner of Abbot Road and Grand River Avenue, it is easily accessible by all methods of transportation. Our address is the entrance to north campus, offering a park-like atmosphere. In keeping with a 80-year tradition, the MSU Union acts as a central meeting place for students, faculty, staff, and university guests to experience cultural, education, and social activities. Services available at the MSU Union are:

Admissions Welcome Room	Notary Public
ASMSU Programming Board	One Union Square Food Court
Billiards/Game Room	Spartan Lanes (bowling)
Cap and Gown Rentals	Spartan Signature Catering
Campus Lost and Found	Spartan Spirit Shop
Commencement Merchandise	Student Alumni Foundation
Computer Center	Union Central Convenience Store
Hair Salon/Barber Shop	U.S. Post Office
Information Center	Western Union
Meeting and Conference Facilities	Women's Resource Center
Multicultural Center

The MSU Union also provides campus wide student activities through the University Activities Board (UAB). Events are held at the MSU Union, Campus Center and a variety of other campus locations. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) use the MSU Union for their regular meetings and special events.

The MSU Union is available for meetings, conferences, and special social events. Catering services are provided in the building and across campus. MSU Union office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Contact the Sales Department at 1-517-355-3464 to schedule.

For additional information, email union@msu.edu or visit the Web at www.msuunion.com.

The Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education opened in 1997 and combines auditorium, classroom, arena, and exhibit spaces. Exhibit space covers 66,240 square feet and can accommodate 368 animal stalls which can be removed to create open space for a variety of events from industry trade shows to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources annual AutumnFest celebration. The arena seats 2,000 people and has a show floor of 28,670 square feet. The auditorium seats 400 and is used for meetings, auctions, and livestock industry events. An event office, showers, livestock wash racks, public address system, Michigan State University concession stand, and recreational vehicle hook-ups are available for Pavilion events.

 

The Student Services Building houses the offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, Office of Financial Aid, Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, Lesbian Bi Gay Transgender Resource Center, Career Services and Placement, Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and Student Life.

The Associated Students of Michigan State University, the Council of Graduate Students, other major student governing groups, and some student organizations have their offices in this building.

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts offers a full schedule of touring Broadway shows, leading dance troupes, and world-famous soloists and ensembles. The state-of-the-art facility also showcases performances by the Department of Theatre, College of Music, and the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra, as well as many community and university group activities. Excellent acoustics and sight lines prevail in both the 2,500 seat Cobb Great Hall and the more intimate 600 seat Pasant Theatre. The Wharton Center for Performing Arts events enrich and enhance campus academic life through a wide variety of personal encounters with both traditional and innovative art forms. Preview lectures by noted authorities are offered free of charge prior to many of the performances. Full-time Michigan State University students are offered substantial discounts on tickets for all performances sponsored by Wharton Center for Performing Arts. For details, call the Box Office, 1-517-432-2000.

 

Michigan State University is a community which provides diverse co-curricular opportunities. There are excellent professional programs provided through seminar series sponsored by departments and schools and supplemented by open lectures on a variety of current topics. Lectures, music, theatre, art, recreation, athletics and the programs of student organizations offer opportunities for pursuing individual interests.

 

The Campus Center at the International Center is the venue for student-focused programming on Friday and Saturday nights until 2 a.m. Most activities, including movies, music and entertainment performances are free to students. Events are also held in Wells Hall Auditoriums, Erickson Kiva and the Engineering Building. All programs at the Campus Center are planned by the University Activities Board. The office is located at 323 MSU Union, 1-517-355-3354.

 

The Department of Art and Art History sponsors rotating student exhibitions in Gallery 101 and Gallery114, a diverse group of visiting artist and scholar lectures, and art events throughout the academic year. Annually, the department features student artwork in the Undergraduate Exhibition and the Master of Fine Arts Exhibition held in the Kresge Art  Museum. All students are welcome to view exhibitions, attend lecture series, and join in art activities offered at the Kresge Art Center. For additional information call 1-517-355-7610 or visit  www.art.msu.edu.

 

The Department of Theatre sponsors a wide variety of main stage dramatic productions and dance events. Productions occur on the Pasant Theatre stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and in Fairchild Theatre and the Arena Theatre in the Auditorium. Graduate and undergraduate talent is feature in these productions, and all students of the university are invited to participate.

Student theatrical productions take place throughout the year in the Arena Theatre and Studio 49. Dance performances are also sponsored by the Michigan State University student dance association, ORCHESIS. Summer Circle Theatre offers students the opportunity to be involved in theatre production during the months of May and June. For additional information, call 1-517-355-6690, email: theatre@msu.edu, or visit www.theatre.msu.edu.

 

The College of Music offers many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to hear and participate in a variety of musical ensembles. All qualified students are welcome to audition regardless of their fields of study.

Vocal groups include the MSU Chorale, State Singers, Collegiate Choir, Women's Glee Club, Choral Union, Women's Chamber Ensemble, and Men's Glee Club. The University Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Concert Orchestra present numerous concerts throughout the year. The University Bands  include the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Campus Band, several Jazz Bands and combos, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the 300-member Spartan Marching Band, and three Spartan Brass Bands that perform at basketball and hockey games. Additionally, there are several chamber music groups including Musique 21, Percussion Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and Horn Choir. For additional information call 1-517-353-5340 or visit www.music.msu.edu.

The purpose of athletics at Michigan State is to encourage all students to participate in some form of physical recreation. The wide diversity of the intercollegiate program provides men and women with competition in 25 sports programs. All students have the opportunity to participate in the wide array of individual and team intramural sports.

Michigan State University, a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, has varsity competition for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, swimming, tennis, and wrestling.

Michigan State University has a developed and diversified intercollegiate athletic program for women athletes. Varsity competition for women is offered in basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis,  indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball.

The Michigan State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to operating an athletics program that pursues excellence with integrity, produces a positive public identity for the university and the surrounding community, promotes good sportsmanship and ethical conduct, and acts in compliance with all pertinent regulatory agencies. In addition, the department supports and encourages equitable treatment and opportunities for all student-athletes and staff regardless of gender or ethnic background and places emphasis upon individual accountability. With the support of Michigan State University, and in keeping with the university’s overall mission and guiding principles, the Athletics Department aims to provide resources and initiate services as can be reasonably provided that empower student athletes to excel in academics, athletics, and personal development with attention to student-athlete welfare.

 

The Senior Class Council consists of twenty-five seniors chosen to represent the views of and initiate activities for all Michigan State University seniors. During the year, the Senior Class Council is involved in sponsoring a career conference, selecting and raising funds for a class gift, working with the Commencement Committee, selecting the 25 most outstanding seniors, and coordinating special projects.

 

The University Activities Board plans programs and activities designed to provide additional meaning to the university community. Special projects include arts and crafts shows, dinner theatre, college bowl, and noontime programming. Students are encouraged to suggest new programs. Information on membership may be obtained by calling 1-517-355-3354, or by visiting by the University Activities Board office on the third floor of the Union Building.

 

Intramural sports programs and recreative services are dedicated to the promotion of healthy lifestyles for all.  The programs include competitive, informal, exercise-fitness, sports club, and special- population activities designed to provide all members of the university community the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of individual, dual, and team sport activities encompassing all levels of skill.

Intramural league competitions are held in activities such as:  outdoor and indoor soccer, touch football, volleyball, floor hockey, 3-on-3 basketball, innertube water polo, basketball, ice hockey, and softball.

Individual events and tournaments include tennis, golf, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, and swim meet.

Special activities include cold turkey trot run, aerobics, step aerobics, water aerobics, learn-to-swim, learn-to-sail, and self-defense for women. A staff coordinator provides programs for participants with special needs. For more information, visit www.imsports.msu.edu or call 1-517-355-5250.

 

Michigan State University considers that one of its responsibilities is to maintain an atmosphere of religious freedom for the individual.

There are many student religious centers in East Lansing, devoting their facilities to meeting student needs. These have staffs of ministers, priests, rabbis, and directors of student activities. The groups provide Michigan State University students with the chance to participate in programs of religious worship and the opportunity to meet other students through social activities. See Student Organizations for the current list of student religious groups.

The Alumni Memorial Chapel, on campus, is available for public services of a religious nature. It is also made available to students wishing to enter the sanctuary for private devotions. For scheduling, contact the MSU Union, 1-517-355-3464. For more information, visit www.hfs.msu.edu/union/services/alumni_chapel.html.

 

Michigan State University's yearbook, The Red Cedar Log, is published by students under the auspices of the Associated Students of Michigan State University. Other student publications include those maintained independently, or within colleges, departments, schools, living units, and student organizations. The State News, a daily newspaper distributed widely to students, faculty, and staff, is published by The State News, Inc. The corporation is separate and independent from the university; however, its staff is composed largely of Michigan State University students.

 

The goals of Student Radio are diversity in programming, professionalism in presentation, and education. Two stations are supported by a fee collected from all students each semester. Students may apply for paid positions or to work as volunteers.  Offices and studios in G-4 Holden Hall are accessible for persons with disabilities.

WDBM, “IMPACT Radio” 89 FM, is an FCC-licensed station offering alternative music, news, sports, and talk on campus issues.  This non-commercial station operates 24 hours per day 365 days per year. The station can be heard at distances of 50 miles or worldwide at www.impact89fm.org.

WFIX, “The Fix” is also commercial free, but carries specialty programming not found on WDBM. WFIX operates on the academic calendar and is carried only at www.thefix.org.

Michigan State University's enrollment totals over 46,600 students including the off-campus programs. Over 36,000 are undergraduates with the remainder in graduate and graduate-professional programs. Nearly 82 percent of the new undergraduates enter as freshmen from Michigan high schools or as transfer students from the Michigan community-junior colleges or other colleges and universities in the state. These students come from throughout the state and represent the smallest as well as the largest communities. The remaining students enter from high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States and the world. During the Fall 2008 semester, over 4,500 international students from over 120 countries were enrolled. Fifty-four percent of the undergraduate and graduate students on the East Lansing campus were women.

 

On March 16, 1967, the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University approved a document entitled Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University. The report established guidelines to identify rights and duties of students in regard to conduct, academic pursuits, the keeping of records, and publications. It provided for structures and procedures for the formulation of regulations governing student conduct, for the interpretation and amendment of the guidelines, for due process in the adjudication of student disciplinary cases, and for channeling to the faculty and administration student complaints and concerns in the academic area.

The original document has been amended several times. The revised edition incorporating all amendments as approved by the Board of Trustees is included in Spartan Life which is available from Student Affairs and Services, 101 Student Services Building and at www.vps.msu.edu/SpLife/index.htm.

On June 18, 1971, the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University approved a document entitled Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities. The document established guidelines to identify rights and duties of graduate students in regard to such matters as academic programming, conduct, support, and the keeping of records. This document provided for structures and procedures for formulating regulations governing student conduct, for amending the document, for considering grievances, and for providing due process in the adjudication of cases involving graduate student rights and responsibilities.

The original document has been subsequently amended. The revised edition incorporating all amendments as approved by the Board of Trustees is included in Spartan Life which is available from Student Affairs and Services, 101 Student Services Building, and at www.vps.msu.edu/SpLife/index.htm.

On June 6, 1986, the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University approved a document entitled Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities. The document established guidelines to identify rights and duties of medical students in regard to such matters as academic programming, conduct, support, and the keeping of records.This document provided for structures and procedures for formulating regulations governing student conduct, for amending the document, for considering grievances, and for providing due process in the adjudication of cases involving medical student rights and responsibilities. 

This document as amended and as approved by the Board of Trustees is available from the offices of the Deans of the Colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine; the Office of The Graduate School; the Office of the Provost; the Office of the Ombudsman; and Student Affairs and Services, 101 Student Services Building.

 

Graduate or undergraduate student research programs may involve the use of human subjects. "Human subject" is defined as an individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual or (2) identifiable, private information about the individual. Both federal and university regulations require all proposed research projects involving human subjects to be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board prior to the initiation of such studies. At Michigan State University, the Boards are the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institutional Review Board (BIRB), Community Research Institutional Review Board (CRIRB), and Social Science, Behavioral, and Education Institutional Review Board (SIRB).

Specific information regarding procedures for obtaining appropriate review of proposed research projects involving human subjects is available from the Human Research Protection Program Web site at www.humanresearch.msu.edu, E-mail irb@msu.edu, or call 1-517-355-2180.

Michigan State University provides extensive student  services and support to assist students in making their educational experiences more profitable and satisfying. While the principal function of the university is to provide a suitable intellectual environment for students through classrooms, laboratories, and stimulating teachers, it is recognized that the total development of the individual—personal, social, and physical as well as intellectual—is of equal importance and that learning occurs in many venues.

 

Each college through its dean or an associate dean maintains an office in charge of academic affairs of students in the college. These offices assist their students in academic matters such as exploration and goal setting, enrollment, changes of major program, academic advisement, and withdrawal and readmission procedures.

 

The Vice President for Student Affairs and Services has general administrative responsibility for all student personnel matters. The multiple services and responsibilities are carried out through the offices of Counseling, Intramural Sports and Recreative Services, Career Services and Placement, Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, Student Life, Residence Life, LBGT Concerns, and Educational and Support Services.

The Student Life area includes Fall Welcome, Greek Life, Judicial Affairs, Student Life Center and Off-Campus Housing, Student Government and Activities Advising, Leadership Development, and Student Affairs Records.

For more information, refer to Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services in the Other Departments and Offices for Research and Services section of this catalog or visit www.vps.msu.edu.

Michigan State University has contracted with the Chickering Group, a national student health insurance provider, to secure a health insurance plan for eligible students. Eligible students enrolling in the plan may enroll their spouses and/or dependents on a voluntary basis. “Dependents” are defined as unmarried children, under 19 years of age who are not self-supporting and who are living with the insured student.

 

Students on a graduate assistantship will be automatically enrolled in the insurance plan as a benefit offered by Michigan State University.

 

International students not on a graduate assistantship are required to purchase the Michigan State University plan or submit proof of other comparable health insurance. The charge for insurance premiums will be included on the Registration Billing Statement.

 

All medical students in the Colleges of Human, Osteopathic, and Veterinary Medicine are required to purchase the Michigan State University plan or submit proof of other comparable health insurance. The charge for insurance premiums will be included on the Registration Billing Statement.

 

Students meeting the eligibility requirements may enroll on a voluntary basis. Undergraduate students enrolled in seven or more credits and graduate students accepted into a degree program are eligible to enroll in the student health insurance plan. Michigan State University - College of Law students actively attending classes on the Michigan State University campus are also eligible.

For further information on student insurance, contact Michigan State University Benefits, 1407 S. Harrison Rd., Suite 140A, East Lansing, MI 48823-5287, 1-517-353-4434, or visit www.hr.msu.edu/hrsite/benefits.