Academic Programs Catalog

General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations

Student Services

Michigan State University provides extensive student services and support to assist students in making their educational experiences more engaging and satisfying. While the principal function of the university is to provide a suitable intellectual environment for students through classrooms, laboratories and stimulating members of the faculty, 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.

 


Academic Student Affairs Offices in the Colleges

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.


Student Health Insurance

Michigan State University partners with Aetna to provide health insurance options for students, graduate assistants and eligible dependents. When enrolled in the plan, students and graduate assistants are assigned a primary care physician, or PCP, who’s based at Olin Health Care Center on campus. Students can change their PCP to a doctor in the Aetna provider network. More information can be found at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/students/health.

For further information on student insurance and how to enroll, contact MSU Human Resources at 1407 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, 1-517-353-4434, SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu, or visit https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/students/


Graduate Assistants

Students on a graduate assistantship will be automatically enrolled in the insurance plan as a benefit offered by Michigan State University. Eligible spouses and dependents of graduate assistants can be enrolled on a voluntary basis and are partially funded by MSU.

 


International Students

Most international students who are not on a graduate assistantship are required to purchase the Michigan State University health plan.  The charge for health insurance premium will be included on the Registration Billing Statement and the student will be automatically enrolled. A limited number of eligible international students who can demonstrate active coverage under other insurance that meets the applicable waiver criteria, may apply for a waiver.

 


Human, Osteopathic, and Veterinary Medical Students

All medical students in the Colleges of Human, Osteopathic, and Veterinary Medicine are required to purchase the Michigan State University health plan or submit proof of other comparable health insurance. The charge for insurance premiums will be included on the Registration Billing Statement and the student will be automatically enrolled. Medical students who can demonstrate active coverage under other insurance that meets the applicable waiver criteria, may apply for a waiver.


All Other Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Students meeting the eligibility requirements may enroll on a voluntary basis. This includes undergraduate and graduate students who are in a degree program or completing certification.

 


Campus Health Services

As part of University Health and Wellbeing, Campus Health Services provides outpatient medical services for Michigan State University students, Law students and their spouse/domestic partner. Primary care medical services are available on campus year-round and include full service primary care, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, nutrition, and gynecology services, as well as an allergy and immunization clinic. Appointments are required by calling 1-517-353-4660 or visiting to uhw.msu.edu . The Phone Information Nurse is available for health-related questions 24-hours per day.  Consultations with registered dietitians are offered as well, as one aspect of a comprehensive Nutrition Program.

MSU Campus Health Services is staffed with board-certified physicians and certified healthcare professionals. There is no charge for the first three medical office visits for enrolled MSU students each academic year. Lab, medical procedures, prescriptions, and more may incur a charge. MSU will bill insurance for the fourth and subsequent visits, as well as other charges.

Health insurance is required for international students and highly recommended for all other students. Patients without insurance are welcome to use Campus Health Services and they will be billed for services.

See all University Health and Wellbeing services at uhw.msu.edu.


 

Health Promotion and Engagement

Part of University Health and Wellbeing, Health Promotion and Engagement provides a variety of skill building programs, health information, and campus wide initiatives to help students achieve academic success by supporting their wellbeing. Offerings include:

  • Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) education and support
  • The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) and Recovery Housing for students in recovery from alcohol or drug use
  • Sexual wellness education and sexual health resources
  • Food Bank, providing students experiencing food insecurity with free food and related items 
  • Spartan Resilience Education to develop (or strengthen) skills needed to respond to unique challenges 
SPARTANfit Fitness and Wellness Program, including comprehensive fitness assessments and wellness coaching Most Health Promotion services are available free to MSU students. The department also regularly collects and shares health-related data and information about Spartan health trends.

See all University Health and Wellbeing services at uhw.msu.edu.
 

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) aims to provide accommodations, resources, and community for students and employees with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure access for disabled people to all aspects of campus life and build community that supports inclusion at MSU. 

To get connected with RCPD and start the interactive process of determining accommodations, visit rcpd.msu.edu or call 1-517-884-7273 (4-RCPD).  The Get Started page will assist you in creating a profile. See all University Health and Wellbeing services at uhw.msu.edu.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS offers registered MSU students support for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, sleep concerns, stress management, homesickness, adjustment or acculturation, relationships, substance misuse, traumatic experiences, eating or body image concerns, and other personal mental health concerns. CAPS has a diverse staff engaged in multicultural and collaborative approaches to provide quality care with a wide range of clinical expertise and lived experiences.

Confidential, no-charge counseling services include:

  • Goal-oriented individual counseling,
  • Group counseling,
  • Crisis services (+1-517-355-8270, is available 24/7 (press 1 at the prompt).)
  • Psychiatric care
  • Support with clinical coordination and referrals
  • CAPS Connect sessions are brief, free, confidential conversations with a counselor.
Counseling services are confidential and at no charge, as are the first three lifetime psychiatry visits. The fourth and subsequent psychiatry visits are billed to insurance (patients concerned about potential cost should mention this to their provider).  

The CAPS Crisis Line, 1-517-355-8270, is available 24/7 (press 1 at the prompt).

Students can schedule an initial consultation at caps.msu.edu. During the consultation, a counselor will talk about next steps, which may include information about ongoing services at CAPS, helpful resources, or a referral to a campus partner or community provider based on your unique needs. Their goal is to connect students with the most available and appropriate level of care. See all University Health and Wellbeing services at uhw.msu.edu.
 


 


Center for Survivors

The Center for Survivors works with sexual assault survivors and others affected by sexual violence. They provide free and confidential individual counseling, advocacy, and support groups to MSU students and the community. Trained volunteers are also ready to provide support, crisis intervention, and connection to local resources through crisis hotline and crisis chat services. A 24/7 violence crisis hotline is available at 1-517-372-6666. 

The MSU Sexual Assault Healthcare Program is staffed 24/7 by specialized forensic nurses. Services are free and available to adults (MSU students 16+ or community members 18+) who have been sexually assaulted within the last 5 days. Phone: 1-517-353-2700.

MSU Safe Place shelter is a program of Center for Survivors that provides emergency shelter and accompanying support for survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking.

For more information — or to access crisis chat services — visit centerforsurvivors.msu.edu. Call 1-517-355-3551 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or advocate. See all University Health and Wellbeing services at uhw.msu.edu.


 

Other Services


Career Services Network

The Career Services Network assists students with career exploration, decision-making, and job search strategies and provides career advising, interest assessments, workshops and networking resources throughout its many locations.  In addition, the Network offers opportunities to connect directly with employers for full-time jobs and internships through career fairs, on-campus interviews, company visits and networking events.  Students may access most services, including postings for part-time, internship, and entry-level jobs, using the Handshake system. For more information, visit www.careernetwork.msu.edu or contact us at careerservices@csp.msu.edu or 1-517-355-9510.


Student Parent Resource Center

The Student Parent Resource Center (SPRC) coordinates information, resources, and University initiatives to support student-parents managing academics and family life. Students may contact the SPRC coordinator at 1-517-432-3745 or steedkim@msu.edu for information about programs and services, including child care, emergency backup child care, sick child care, student parent support, financial assistance, campus and community involvement opportunities, and other resource referrals. 

 


Early Childhood Units

Two early childhood centers are available to the children of Michigan State University students and faculty. The Michigan State University Child Development Laboratories has two locations, one in East Lansing at 325 W. Grand River Avenue offering full day care for children ages birth through 5 years, and a second site in Haslett at the Wilkshire Early Childhood Center offering half day programming, Monday through Thursday.  These two programs are administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Social Science.


University Ombudsperson

The University Ombudsperson is a confidential, independent, neutral, and informal resource for the MSU community. The Ombudsperson helps individuals navigate university-related concerns, understand university policies, explore their rights and responsibilities, and consider options. The office provides a safe, off-the-record space to talk. It does not take sides, make decisions, or participate in formal grievance or disciplinary processes. Visit https://ombud.msu.edu/. Phone 1-517- 353-8830 or e-mail ombud@msu.edu.


Department of Police and Public Safety

The MSU Police Department serves the community by providing a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to live, learn, and work. Services include police patrol, responding to calls for service, criminal investigations, special event security, emergency management, access control, and parking services. Visit www.police.msu.edu for more information.
 


Office of Supportive Services

The Office of Supportive Services is a multifaceted, holistic, academic support unit that provides services for students who are first-generation, low income, and/or meet other participant criteria to be part of the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Visit www.oss.msu.edu, oss@msu.edu, or 1-517-353-5210.
 


Transportation Services on Campus


CATA Bus Service

The campus bus service is provided by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). CATA operates fixed routes, serving all university apartments, residence halls, commuter lots, and the main campus 24/7 during fall and spring semesters. Most campus routes do not operate during university breaks or on university-recognized holidays. Additionally, CATA provides direct service to off campus apartments in East Lansing, Lansing, Lansing Township, Okemos, and Haslett areas year round as well as many other destinations in the Greater Lansing area. You can learn about fares, tips for new riders and view the CATA service area online. Visit www.cata.org for personal trip itineraries,
comprehensive service information and online pass sales.

Weekday Campus Regular Fixed-Route Service - Six routes serve campus Monday-Friday starting at 7:00 a.m. during fall and spring semesters. Service runs until 2:30 a.m. on Route 30-South and East Neighborhoods, Route 31-Brody and East Neighborhoods. Service ends at 2:00 a.m. on Route 39-University Village. Route 38-Spartan Village concludes at 10:30 p.m.
Service on Route 33-Union/South Neighborhood ends at 10:30 p.m. Route 32 Commuter Lot/Auditorium/Clinical Center serves campus until 7:00 p.m.

Evening and Late-Night Campus Service Seven Days a Week - CATA offers two curb-to-curb demand-response services within the campus boundaries during fall and spring semester, excluding university breaks and university-recognized holidays. You can call 1-517-432-8888 or 2-8888 from any campus phone to request a ride. With either service, the bus arrives within 20 minutes of your call. 

Lot Link operates from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekends. Buses travel between parking lots (#80, #83, #89, and #91). Rides must start or end at one of the four lots. Service is also available to/from Spartan Village Monday - Friday during regular service hours.

The Night Owl operates from 2:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. weekdays (until 9:00 a.m. on weekends). You can also use campus green light phones, located throughout campus, to call for Night Owl service. Passengers may travel between any two locations on campus. Residents of 1855 Place, University and Spartan Village Apartments may also use The Night Owl when traveling to or from any campus location during these hours.

Weekend Campus Service - CATA’s weekend service operates from approximately 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. during fall and spring semesters, excluding university breaks and university-recognized holidays. Weekend service is provided on Routes #34, #35, and #36.

Free-Fare Campus Fixed-Rate Service - Students, faculty and staff ride for free on all campus fixed routes (Routes 30-39) during fall and spring semesters. Note a fare is required when riding Lot Link, Night Owl, or any off-campus routes. See below.

Fares and Passes For LotLink, Night Owl and Off-Campus Routes - The student cash fare is 60¢. Cash fare customers must show the bus driver a valid Michigan State University Student ID to qualify for the 60¢ fare. Customers not showing the Michigan State University Student ID will pay the regular fare of $1.25. Free transfers are available on all off-campus CATA fixed-route buses.

Students may also purchase a CATA 31-Day Student Pass for $18 or a Semester Pass for $50. These two passes are good on Lot Link, Night Owl and for all CATA fixed-route transportation services off-campus. Passes are sold online at www.cata.org, the MSU ID Office, and many convenient off-campus locations. A lost or stolen Semester Pass may be replaced if the original pass was linked the student’s ID when purchased. Students are allowed one replacement pass free of charge per semester. Contact the MSU ID Office in Room 170 of the International Center for a replacement.

The regular fare for non-student faculty and staff is $1.25 on any off-campus route. A 31-Day Adult Pass is available for $35.

Paratransit  Service - (Service for Persons with Disabilities) - Spec-Tran is a CATA curb-to-curb service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use CATA fixed-route service. Spec-Tran customers must be certified to be eligible to use this service. MSU customers must contact the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) 1-517-884-RCPD (4-7273) TTY: 1-517-355-1293 to apply for certification. Spec-Tran ride reservations must be made by 5:00 p.m. the day before a trip is to occur. Rides can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance. Eligible students may obtain free Michigan State University Spec-Tran passes for trips that originate and end on campus by contacting the RCPD office. To schedule a ride, call 1-517-432-8888 or 2-8888 from any campus phone between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

CATA Information and Assistance - Visit CATA’s Web site at www.cata.org for online chat assistance, a personalized trip itinerary or online bus pass purchases, service and fare information, updates on route detours and service changes, etc. CATA’s Customer Information Center can provide trip planning assistance in person, by phone or e-mail. Representatives are available to talk, Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Call 1-517-394-1000 or 2-CATA (2-2282) from any campus phone for assistance, or e-mail info@cata.org. CATANOW provides next-bus real-time departures by texting your bus stop number to 76123. Printed bus schedules are available in most residence halls and at other key campus locations. The ADD line is the Michigan Relay Center Voice - 1-800-649-3777. Large-print versions and MP3 files (downloadable at www.cata.org) of all CATA schedules are available for persons with visual impairments. CATA's bus-hailing kits are designed for use at bus stops served by more than one route. The kit allows visually impaired riders to signal the number of their route to operators of approaching buses. Contact CATA Customer Experience at 1-517-394-1000 to request these materials. You can also follow CATA on Facebook.com/rideCATA and Twitter.com/rideCATA.

Transit App - Transit is CATA’s preferred mobile app for real-time bus departures, bus tracking and comprehensive trip planning options. The free app is available on iPhone and Android devices.

MSU/CATA TRANSPORTATION  CENTER (MSU-CTC) - This indoor facility is the main boarding center for CATA bus routes serving campus. It is located on the ground level of the Shaw Ramp (Ramp 1), between North and South Shaw lanes, just east of the MSU Planetarium. Amenities include phone access to CATA Customer Experience and ride-request phone lines, print maps and timetables, direct access to the Shaw Ramp (Ramp 1), comfortable indoor seating areas, a community policing office, ATM, vending machines and restrooms. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who drive to campus and park in the Shaw Ramp (Ramp 1) can access the MSU-CTC on its ground floor to board a CATA bus for a convenient intermodal commute.



 

Bicycles

MSU Ordinances require any bicycle possessed or operated on campus be registered. Bikes must be in operable condition, and when parked they must be locked at a bike rack, otherwise they may be impounded and fees assessed for retrieval.  Michigan State University, City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Lansing Township, and Meridian Township bike permits are acceptable.  Permits must be current, valid, and attached 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.parking.msu.edu to register your bike (make, color, and serial number must be provided upon registration). Bike registration is complementary. All CATA full sized buses are equipped with bike racks. Each rack accommodates several bikes.


Motor Vehicles, Mopeds, and Electric Mobility Devices

All students whether residing on or off campus must register their vehicle with the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety if they operate their vehicles on campus. In addition, mopeds and electric mobility devices such as electric scooters or electric bicycles operated on campus must be registered with the MSU Police Department.  Failure to do so may result in parking violations and impoundment. Visit www.parking.msu.edu for more information.