Academic Programs Catalog

Jamie Monson, Director

Siddharth Chandra, Director

Rebecca Malouin, Director

The Canadian Studies Center is a multidisciplinary unit with over 70 faculty and graduate students representing over 30 departments, the Libraries, and the Michigan State University Museum. The center’s mission is derived from MSU’s land-grant ethic of teaching, research, and outreach. Since its inception in 1958 as a faculty interest group, the Canadian Studies Center has become a major generator of scholarship related to Canada in the United States. MSU faculty offer a broad array of courses, both undergraduate and graduate, and are involved in diverse research and outreach activities focusing on Canada and its relations with the United States, Latin America, the Pacific Basin, and Europe.

In partnership with the Canada-U.S. Fulbright program, the center hosts an annual senior Canadian Visiting Scholar and regularly arranges visits to campus of distinguished Canadian scholars, government personnel, and artists who lecture in courses, conduct seminars and colloquia, and consult with students and faculty. The annual CN Forum on Canada-U.S. Relations provides an opportunity for students and government and business leaders from Michigan and Ontario to meet with national leaders as conferences, film series, and art exhibits are presented.

The center supports the Freshman Seminar Abroad in Quebec City and seeks to make resources available to Michigan public schools and programs. In addition, center faculty consult with the private and public sector on issues affecting Canada and maintain inter-institutional relationships with Canadian universities. The MSU Libraries rank among the top ten U.S. libraries in its support of Canadian Studies programs, and the MSU Press is a major U.S. publisher of scholarly books and monographs on Canada.

For more information, call 1-517-353-9349, email csc@msu.edu, or visit www.canadianstudies.isp.msu.edu.

Norman Graham, Co-Director
Vlad Tarabara, Co-Director

Michigan State University offers hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses relating to Europe, Eurasia, and the former Soviet Union. The Center for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies facilitates teaching, research, and outreach activities relating to these areas. There are two undergraduate specializations directly associated with the Center: the Western European Studies specialization and the Russian and East European Studies specialization. MSU faculty direct study abroad programs in 95 countries in the region including Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Eric Crawford, Director

Global Innovations in Development, Engagement, and Scholarship (Global IDEAS) promotes synergy, partnerships, and scholarly excellence in international development and engagement within a higher education context. Global IDEAS catalyzes communities of development practice across MSU and provides services in support of international program identification, formulation and implementation, serving as a nexus and resource hub for MSU faculty and their partners who are interested in funding opportunities issued by the U.S. government funding agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral organizations, foreign governments, and private sector entities who support such programs. For more information, call 1-517-355-2350, email infonew@isp.msu.edu or visit www.isp.msu.edu.

 

Laurie Medina, Director

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) facilitates the study of this core region of the Americas. It is the nexus between the university curriculum, providing pathways that bring together students from diverse colleges. It also facilitates fruitful collaborations between MSU and other institutions in the U.S. and in the region. CLACS enriches formal instruction with experiential learning abroad, film and seminar series, visiting scholars, sponsored events, faculty and student research, and ready access to scholarly resources through campus repositories and loan programs. By situating disciplinary and language learning in cultural, historical, geographic and cross-cultural frames, students and faculty learn about the global cultural context permeating professional behavior. Participants become more ethno-sensitive, more culturally aware and more at home in a global community.

Academic units across the university offer courses with substantial Latin American and Caribbean content. A wide range of cultural and Spanish and Portuguese language offerings are available. Undergraduate students are served by a specialization program, experiential learning opportunities, and scholarships. Information about the specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is found in the College of Social Science section of the catalog.

The director of CLACS is assisted by an elected advisory council that represents the more than 150 faculty members affiliated with the center.

For more information, call 1-517-353-1690, email clacs@msu.edu or visit http://latinamerica.isp.msu.edu/.

Krista McCallum Beatty, Director

The Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, provides services and support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars, employees and families who study, conduct research, and teach at MSU. These services include advising on immigration regulations, health insurance and health care, student success and well-being, financial needs, and other personal concerns in order to support successful experiences on campus and in the community. OISS creates engagement opportunities designed to help students and scholars build a sense of belonging in the U.S. and at MSU, and contribute to the internationalization of the campus and surrounding communities. Engagement opportunities include orientation, cultural events, workshops on intercultural communication, and ways for campus and community members to get involved in creating a welcoming community through volunteering. OISS is MSU’s primary information resource on issues related to international students and scholars, collaborating with administrative offices, academic colleges, departments, and schools, student affairs and the local community. The office also acts as a liaison with national and international organizations and agencies to best serve MSU international students and scholars.

For more information, call 1-517-353-1720, email oiss@msu.edu, or visit www.oiss.isp.msu.edu.

A key component of excellence in higher education today, study abroad is an integral part of the student experience, especially at MSU where one in four seniors have studied abroad by the time they graduate. Participating in MSU’s nationally-recognized study abroad program helps its students prepare for our global society – gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will prepare them for the challenges of living and working in a globalized world. With over 275 study abroad programs including every continent, students have access to study, intern, and research in more than 60 countries. A wide variety of courses abroad are available including Integrative Studies, required electives, and major-specific courses. Programs take place during every semester including winter and spring breaks, which, in combination with the diverse course selection and the variety of locations makes it possible for all majors to participate. Additionally, MSU offers a freshman seminars abroad that provide recently-graduated first-year students the opportunity to explore learning outside of the U.S. before their first semester on campus.

The Office of Education Abroad also administers the American Semester program, which allows students from MSU’s international partner universities to study at MSU for a semester or two and transfer credits to their home institution.

Students are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities as early as the summer before their freshman year. For additional information, see the Guest Status at Another Institution in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.

For more information, visit the Study Abroad Advising Center in room 108 of the International Center, call 1-517-353-8920, email studyabroad@isp.msu.edu, or visit www.educationabroad.isp.msu.edu.


 

The Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen) in International Studies and Programs (ISP) draws together the strengths of the program in Women, Gender, and Social Justice in the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Science and the Gender, Development and Globalization Program in ISP. These programs have historically looked at gender in the U.S. and in international contexts. The center emphasizes women and gender in a global context, with distinctive new programs promoting teaching, research, and outreach relevant to 21st century concerns.

Working in conjunction with the academic colleges, the center promotes outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, facilitates research and scholarship of the highest caliber, and conducts innovative outreach and active learning. The center also works with colleges and departments to provide students with academic and active learning opportunities focused on gender and global change through gender-related degrees, specializations, and minors.

GenCen is recognized as a National Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI program. The center publishes Gendered Perspectives on International Development (GPID) Working Papers and Resource Bulletin, publications featuring scholarly work and the most recent set of resources in international gender and development studies and issues.

Through its grant-writing services, GenCen promotes interdisciplinary, gender-focused faculty research. The center also sponsors speakers’ series, colloquia and other events during the year.

For more information, call 1-517-353-5040, email gencen@msu.edu or visit http://gencen.isp.msu.edu/.

Students, faculty, researchers, staff, alumni, and visitors increasingly experience Michigan State University through a digital lens. Our community expects contemporary, mobile, and digital solutions for research, teaching and learning, advancement activities, and enterprise systems.

MSU IT’s mission is to enable the University’s excellence in education, research, and outreach through the delivery of world class information technology solutions. The services that MSU IT offers include online learning services, user support, digital collaboration tools, wireless and wired network connectivity, data storage, analytics, cybersecurity, and enterprise administrative applications.

MSU IT services are designed to:

• Stabilize, manage, and improve core technology services such as the wireless and wired network, and data storage to support the university’s growth.
• Enable student, faculty, and staff success through providing technology services that assist them in achieving their goals.
• Provide a cybersecurity framework with standards and initiatives to help protect institutional data.
• Integrate data and information so it is readily accessible and useful for learning, research, analytics, and administrative work. 

Rubén Martinez, Director

The Julian Samora Research Institute (JSRI) generates, disseminates, and applies knowledge to serve the needs of Latino communities in the Midwest and the United States.  To achieve its mission, the JSRI:  1) serves as the hub of an interdisciplinary research program on social, cultural, health and economic issues confronting Latino populations and communities;  2) advances Latino scholarship by encouraging and supporting Latino-focused faculty and students to conduct research and engage in mentoring, research assistantships, fellowships, symposia and related activities; and 3) transmits and disseminates knowledge and research findings to various academic, government, community and private institutions and officials.

In addition, JSRI provides technical expertise to the broader community on policy development issues facing Latinos, and promotes the development of Latino cultural and human capital through leadership development, community empowerment, and education.  Through the generation, transmission and application of knowledge, JSRI is committed to transforming lives.  By engaging Latino-focused researchers, agencies, practitioners, policymakers and Latino communities in collaborative learning, community-based projects, and responsive engagement, JSRI joins University Outreach and Engagement and the larger university community in contributing to the advancement of the larger society – both locally and globally.

Jabbar R. Bennett, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion works to advance Michigan State University’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategic priorities. The office plays a key role in meeting federal, state and local compliance requirements for equal opportunity in admissions, recruitment, retention, advancement, and organizational operations. In addition, the office helps to lead and coordinate a range of initiatives and programs that aim to increase diversity, ensure equity, promote inclusion and advance outreach and engagement across the institution. The office partners with senior executives, faculty, staff, students and alumni to support the safety, well-being and overall success of members of historically underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, and offers a broad spectrum of educational and training opportunities which promote a culture of dignity, respect, empathy and accountability at Michigan State University.  

For more information, visit www.inclusion.msu.edu; email inclusion@msu.edu; or call 1-517-353-4563.

Charles Cox, Research Integrity Officer

The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) is responsible for ensuring the MSU Procedures concerning Allegations of Misconduct in Research and Creative Activities are carried out in an unbiased, confidential, and professional manner. Research Misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or any other practice, that seriously deviates from practices commonly accepted in the discipline or in the academic and research communities generally in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research and creative activities. Misconduct does not include honest error or honest differences in the interpretation or judgment of data. Initial inquiries regarding potential research misconduct cases are held in strict confidence. The RIO is located at Wills House, 287 Delta Court, Room 106 and can be reached at 1-517-432-6698 or by e-mail at rio@msu.edu.  Visit www.rio.msu.edu for more information.

The MSU Alumni Office continues to evolve in the ways in which it provides value to the university, alumni community, collegiate peers, corporate partners, students and fans of the university. With a focus on philanthropy, service and learning we provide a wide-range of opportunities for Spartans to stay connected to the university. From annual events such as our Global Day of Service, Grandparents University, Alumni University, Homecoming, Spartan Pathways Travel and Odyssey to Oxford to hundreds of in-person engagement opportunities across the United States and around the world; through both regional events hosted by our own staff as well as a variety of events conducted by over 125 alumni clubs across the globe.

For those who cannot be with us in person, The MSU Alumni Office offers hundreds of online engagement opportunities through our Web site in a variety of subject matter. By offering a wide variety of programming developed alongside our campus partners, we're able to offer experiences for Spartans both near and far. This includes original online content created by the MSU Alumni Office, livestreams of guest lecturers, some of MSU's favorite professors, and high-profile alumni who are transforming the world today.

The MSU Alumni Office embodies Michigan State University's world-grant mission to make the world a better place through collective Spartan power. Through engagement and continuing education, The MSU Alumni Office fosters lifelong connections with more than 500,000 Spartans around the world. Visit http://alumni.msu.edu.


 

Nicole Schmidtke, Title IX Coordinator

The Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) is comprised of the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department (POE), the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), the Office of the ADA Coordinator, Support & Equity Office, and the Resolution Office (RO). OCR supports the campus community in creating and maintaining a safe environment and a culture of respect through educating all campus community members regarding how to prevent, identify, appropriately respond to, and report discrimination, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, and relationship violence; conducting impartial, fair, supportive, and equitable investigations of complaints under MSU’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy (RVSM Policy) and MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP); and connecting those impacted by discrimination, harassment, relationship violence, and sexual misconduct with campus and community resources. For more information, please visit OCR’s website at https://civilrights.msu.edu/ or phone at 1-517-355-3960.


 

Shannon Lynn Burton, University Ombudsperson

The University Ombudsperson is appointed by the President to help students resolve disputes in a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal manner. After assessing the validity of each complaint, the University Ombudsperson advises students on possible remedies and, where indicated, actively assist students in securing a fair resolution of the matter. The Ombudsperson also advises faculty, administrators, and staff of university policies and regulations that might guide their decisions. To support these efforts, the Office of the University Ombudsperson has broad powers of investigation, including direct and ready access to university officers and faculty and to official records. Communication with the Office of the University Ombudsperson does not put the university on notice. The Office of the University Ombudsperson was established in 1967 with the adoption of Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University. For further information, see http://ombud.msu.edu/, or e-mail ombud@msu.edu or call 1-517-353-8830.

 

The United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a nationwide program that allows students to pursue commissions (become officers) in the United States Air Force (USAF) or United States Space Force (USSF) while simultaneously attending college. The program consists of three-year, four-year, or five-year academic programs depending on the student's major. The program is broken into two distinct segments; the General Military Corps (GMC) and the Professional Officer Corps (POC), both of which are taken on-campus. In addition, prior to admission into the POC, AFROTC cadets must complete a two--week field training encampment off-campus.

AFROTC classes are held on college campuses in the United States and Puerto Rico, and students register through normal course registration processes.  AFROTC consists of Aerospace Studies classes (Heritage and Values of the United States Air Force, Team and Leadership Fundamentals, Leading People and Effective Communication, and National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty), and a corresponding Leadership Laboratory for each year whereby students apply leadership skills, demonstrate command and effective communication, develop physical fitness, and practice military customs and courtesies.  College students enrolled in the AFROTC program are known as “cadets.”  Cadets who successfully complete both AFROTC training and college requirements will graduate and simultaneously commission as Second Lieutenants in the active duty Air Force.


 

The U.S. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to qualify as commissioned officers in the United States Army. The ROTC program provides preparation for leadership in any profession, military or civilian.

Doug Heemstra, Director of Operations
Thomas Guarr, Director of R & D

The MSU Bioeconomy Institute complements and extends MSU campus research that supports the emerging bioeconomy, including biofuels, bio-based specialty chemicals and biomaterials. The institute provides microbial fermentation and chemical pilot plant scale-up production and conducts sponsored research and testing for both for-profit and not-for-profit entities of all sizes. It also offers business incubation opportunities and extensive laboratory space rental, as well as educational programming and training.

For more information, call 1-616-395-8958 or visit www.bioeconomy.msu.edu.

Laura McCabe, Associate Vice President for Research Regulatory Support

Michigan State University researchers seek to conduct their research in ways that protect the health and safety of research subjects and investigators as well as the environment. The Office of Research Regulatory Support (ORRS) offers online and face-to-face training and resources to help researchers assure safety in their labs, conduct research responsibly, and comply with relevant regulations. ORRS also pursues accreditation and certifications to assure that programs relating to human and animal subjects and environmental health and safety not only meet, but exceed, federal regulations. These efforts aim to maintain Michigan State University‘s respected compliance record. The major units within the office include:

Human Research Protection Program (HRRP) - protects individuals who are subjects of research and/or clinical investigations through MSU's commitment to follow ethical standards described in the Belmont Report and applicable federal, state, local, and university requirements. The program is fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. The HRPP includes the offices of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Compliance, and provides support to the MSU IRB committees. For more information, call 1-517-355-2180, e-mail irb@msu.edu or visit hrpp.msu.edu.

Animal Care Program - provides support and oversight for all animal-related research, teaching, and outreach at Michigan State University, including ethical review of animal use; acquisition, husbandry, and veterinary care of animals; training and educational opportunities; and public outreach. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee implements regulatory oversight requirements; Campus Animal Resources provides husbandry and veterinary care as well as technical services such as breeding programs and special care. The Michigan State University Animal Care Program is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. For more information, visit the Web site at https://animalcare.msu.edu/. Call Campus Animal Resources at 1-517-353-5064 or call the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at 1-517-432-8103, or email iacuc@msu.edu.

Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) - serves as a proactive provider of regulatory guidance, education, training, and compliance assistance to the university community to ensure that all faculty, students, and staff work in a safe and productive environment. The office acts as the primary liaison between the university and federal, state, and local environmental health agencies, including Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. For more information, call 1-517-355-0153 or visit www.ehs.msu.edu.

Faculty Conflict of Interest Officer - serves as a resource to faculty and administrators on defining and addressing faculty conflicts of interest, and maintains institutional procedures for faculty members to report significant financial interests and other opportunities for tangible personal benefit. For more information, call 1-517-884-7000, email fcoiio@msu.edu or visit www.coi.msu.edu.

Export Control and Trade Sanctions - oversees the university's compliance with export control regulations, which impose access, dissemination, and participation restrictions on transfer of controlled goods, software and information, and trade sanction regulations, which apply to certain individuals, entities and governments, based on U.S. policy and national security goals. The unit maintains a site license for identifying lists of debarred parties and entities, provides ongoing training programs, and sponsors an annual educational conference. Learn more at www.exportcontrols.msu.edu.

For more information about the ORRS, call 1-517-432-4500 or visit www.orrs.msu.edu.

Charles Hasemann, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development

The MSU Innovation Center provides resources to MSU faculty to develop and support corporate research relationships, new company startups, technology commercialization, and a growing portfolio of business and community partnerships.

MSU researchers turn to the MSU Innovation Center to translate their scientific discoveries into products and launch businesses that benefit society and spur economic growth. We work directly with faculty, students and commercial partners, bringing more than 180 discoveries annually into a pipeline of patents, products and startup businesses.

Three units within the MSU Innovation Center operate in one location on the third floor at 325 E. Grand River Ave.

MSU Business-CONNECT - serves as the front door for businesses to connect with MSU researchers, lab space and facilities to advance technologies and research. These project partnerships can be with large multinational organizations or small business enterprises alike. The unit negotiates all of MSU's corporate sponsored research projects, which total more than $20 million annually.

MSU Technologies - facilitates MSU's technology transfer and commercialization, supporting commercial development and public use of technologies and licensable copyrighted materials developed by MSU faculty and staff. Whether it's guidance on the patent process, identifying funding opportunities for technology development, or securing a license, MSU Technologies can assist. Over the past several years, $2.4 million in royalties have been annually distributed to MSU faculty members and their departments to be reinvested in research.

Spartan Innovations - helps MSU's students and faculty launch sustainable startups. Spartan innovators imagine a better world, then work to make it a reality. This unit supports their efforts by connecting them to experienced business leaders and cultivating community collaborations. The MSU Foundation provides major funding for this initiative.

Learn more at innovationcenter.msu.edu or visit us on social: @msuinnovation.


 

Charles Hasemann, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development
Troy Terwillegar, Site Manager

Michigan State University engages in exploratory and development chemistry in the historic St. Andrews Laboratory in Midland, Michigan. From this base, MSU also operates a STEAM education center, and provides valuable learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to students, families, and teachers in the Great Lakes Bay area. Support for both the facility and educational programming is provided by a number of Midland area family foundations as well as the Dow Chemical Company Foundation. Visit www.standrews.msu.edu or call 1-989-374-9904 for more information.


 

Twila Reighley, Associate Vice President for Sponsored Programs Administration

The Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) office departments, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and Contract and Grant Administration (CGA), collaborate with MSU's researchers to provide effective and efficient administration throughout the research award process. The MSU research award life cycle includes funding opportunities announcements, proposal development and submission, award negotiation and acceptance, account setup and modifications, award management, and lastly, award closeout. Learn more at https://osp.msu.edu/Default.aspx.
 

The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC), formerly known as the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender Resource Center (LBGTRC), leads and collaborates on university initiatives to prepare students thrive in a diverse world. We enhance the campus climate, as well as academic and support services for students marginalized by the sexuality or gender identity. We serve as a hub for information, resources and opportunities for LBGTQ+ students, such as social, academic and community organizations, counseling and other advocacy. We provide consultation to faculty, staff and student leaders regarding individual student issues; creating inclusive and affirming practices; and curricular and co-curricular learning around sexuality and gender. 

For more information, contact the GSCC at 1-517-353-9520; email gscc@msu.edu; or visit www.gscc.msu.edu.

 

The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) supports students as they navigate cross-cultural encounters and develop a cultural identity. OCAT engages students on issues related to academic transitions, culture, race and ethnicity. Specifically, OCAT prompts students’ involvement in broad-based university learning experiences (e.g., education-abroad, alternative spartan breaks, internships, etc.), while also connecting them to campus resources, people and programs that lead to deeper student learning and personal success. In part, the office accomplishes this by building critical alliances and connections with academic units. OCAT strives to bring together individuals and groups of students from diverse racial, ethnic, international and domestic backgrounds for meaningful interactions. OCAT employs multiple strategies to accomplish these goals, including signature programs, such as the Intercultural Aide program, Maximizing Academic Growth in College (MAGIC), Council on Racial Ethnic Students (CORES), and Spartan Remix. Visit www.ocat.msu.edu.

 

The Career Services Network (CSN) helps students in all stages of their professional development – from the early stages of exploring career options and choosing a major, to internships and job searches. CSN support includes

1. One-on-one advising appointments with career advisors to assist students in self-assessment, career exploration, decision-making, resumes and cover letters, job search strategies, interview preparation and negotiating offers.
2. Career assessment tools to help students align interests and preferences to job types and work environments: Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Choices 360. Assessments are interpreted with a career advisor.
3. Career exploration events, such as guest speakers, alumni panels, networking sessions and industry trips (e.g., Spartan Start-Up entrepreneurship; sports careers; entertainment journalism; careers within government; careers in non-profits).
4. Workshops ranging from resume writing and career exploration to networking and interviewing skills.
5. Career Fairs, including MSU Fall Career Days, Graduate and Law School Fair, Diversity Career Fair, Summer Job and Internship Fair, Teacher and Administration Career Fair and more.
6. On campus interviews with employers for entry-level and internship positions with over 10,000 interviews conducted annually.
7. Career resources:  including Handshake, an interactive system that manages job, internship, part-time campus employment listings, on-campus interviews, as well as a comprehensive calendar of career events and workshops. 

The Director of Student and Community Relations serves Michigan State University students and the community with respect to MSU student-related topics, by fostering effective interactions and increasing open communication with the Mid-Michigan community. For more information, call 1-517-432-7527 (TTY 353-6651); visit 556 E. Circle Drive, Student Services Building, Room 162; or visit www.collegelifeel.msu.edu.

OFF-CAMPUS listing service. An off-campus housing listing Service, endorsed by MSU, is available to assist students with locating apartments, houses and roommates based on personal preference and budget. The search begins at offcampushousing.msu.edu.


 

Recreational Sports and Fitness Services (RSFS) provides safe, supportive and active environments for the diverse fitness needs of the MSU community. RSFS engages the community through sports, fitness and recreation opportunities through a variety of ways, including club and intramural sports, fitness programs and numerous other opportunities. Three intramural buildings provide space for more than 25 organized intramural sports and over 28 student sports clubs. MSU students, faculty, staff, retirees and alumni may choose from a diverse array of activities, including formal league and tournament play to less competitive and informal recreational activities, exercise and fitness programs. RSFS’ Adaptive Recreation provides spaces and opportunities for persons with disabilities to take join in the activities, from hand cycles that can be checked out, to drop-in adaptive recreation, such as Boccia Ball, Pickleball and Badminton, as well as blind soccer and adaptive shooting.

For information, refer to Recreational Sports and Fitness Services in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog, call the Recreational Sports office at 1-517-355-5257,  or visit www.recsports.msu.edu.

Refer to the statement on Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities in the General Information section of this catalog for additional information.

The Office of Spartan Experiences engages MSU students in active learning, leadership development and enhancing their education for their success. Fall Welcome and Spring Welcome events are organized by Spartan Experiences to promote academic, cultural, recreational, and personal programs that help ease students’ transition to the university.

Spartan Experiences also offers programs throughout the year to help students find opportunities to be engaged and grow while at MSU. Except when noted, student life programs are located in the Spartan Experiences Center, 101 Student Services Building. For more information, call 1-517-355-8286 (TTY 355-2217) or visit studentlife.msu.edu.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE. Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) staff serves as liaisons between the university and the collegiate chapters, parents, alumni/ae and (inter)national organizations to provide educational programs, services and resources to support the ideals of Greek Life. The work of the staff and student members of FSL provides experiences that merge nearly every segment of the MSU campus community into one cohesive program, promoting self-governance, leadership development, academic achievement, community service and friendship. Staff assist the four major governing boards individually responsible for managing and providing services to their member organizations.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT and STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISING. Staff members assist student government leaders by advising, consulting, and serving as a resource on university policies and procedures.  Staff also register over 1000 student organizations, as well as the programs and events sponsored by these groups, and provide consultation to enhance student group development.  Leadership training and development programs help those in student government and other organizations increase their effectiveness as leaders.


 

The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) supports MSU faculty and students  through its programs and resources to both advance community engaged learning and prepare students for lifelong civic and social responsibility. They also support MSU faculty and academic staff to create course-based community engaged learning opportunities.

The center encourages students to develop academic, personal, professional and civic skills while making a positive difference by contributing to the common good of local, national and international communities through service.

Students can learn about volunteer opportunities at communityengagedlearning.msu.edu/students/looking-to-volunteer.

Transportation assistance is offered to students, including maps, free CATA bus tokens and shuttle rides to select service sites in Greater Lansing. Learn more at communityengagedlearning.msu.edu/students/student-resources.

Service-Learning Orientations are hosted throughout the semester, to help students learn more about the “Tools of Engagement” (http://tools.outreach.msu.edu) which are vital for meaningful and effective community engagement experiences. 

Advisors are available to assist MSU service/civic-oriented registered student organizations. The office has long-standing advising relationships with several prominent MSU student organizations (e.g., Alternative Spartan Breaks, Spartans Rebuilding Michigan, etc.) and we are eager to connect with and support other similar student groups.

Academic Consultants offer their educational expertise to help faculty and students identify and utilize high-impact teaching strategies to maximize service-learning outcomes.

Campus and Community Networking to help faculty, staff, students, and community agencies identify potential partnerships and connect with other like-minded campus/community members.

Learn more about CCEL communityengagedlearning.msu.edu.
 

MSUvote is a non-partisan campus committee focused on increasing registered student voters and informing and educating students on candidates and issues to bolster student participation in elections. MSUvote provides resources on registering to vote and voter guides for each state and Washington D.C. For questions or information about MSUvote resources and services, visit the Student Services Building, or visit msuvote.msu.edu.


 

The Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) supports and helps military personnel and their families find and navigate information, resources and others who will support their success at Michigan State University.

The center provides numerous services and support, including space for meetings, studying and socializing; VA benefits and health information; financial aid application support; transition services; career development and employment/internship opportunities; and referrals to programs and services, both on and off the MSU campus.

Find more information at veterans.msu.edu. where messages can also be sent to the team under the About Us tab. 

 

The Student Parent Resource Center (SPRC) provides support, resources and campus and community connections for MSU student parents. While that looks different for each family, SPRC, located in the University Village Community Center, this team of two works supports MSU student parents, so they can focus on academics, their experience and development, successfully reaching graduation and their families.

SPRC helps student parents meet and build their community with other student parent peers, integrate with the rest of MSU and fulfill needs that are outside of the classroom and college experience, such as food, diapers and childcare.

Learn more at studentparents.msu.edu. Contact the office at 517-432-3745 or sprc@msu.edu.


 

Women*s Student Services (WSS) works to promote diversity, equity and inclusion for a safer, more respectful, and more welcoming campus. The center provides a variety of programs and services, including workshops focused on leadership and mentoring, the WILD Conference and Fem Fest.

Learn more at wss.msu.edu. To contact the office, call 1-517-355-8286 or email wssmsu@gmail.com.

 

Upward Bound of Michigan State University is a previously federally funded program designed to help disadvantaged youths with academic potential todevelop and refine skills for post-secondary education.

Once a part of the Trio Programs established by the U.S. Congress in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, the program is now fully funded by Michigan State University. For more than fifty years, this federally funded program has provided academic enrichment to hundreds of high school youth in the Lansing area. These students traditionally have come from low-income families and/or families in which neither parent has obtained a bachelor’s degree.

The program partners with Lansing School District’s Everett, Sexton, and Eastern High Schools to help approximately 125 Lansing-area high school first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors develop the academic and social skills necessary for matriculation in post-secondary education. Upward Bound provides admissions, financial aid counseling, and academic assistance to participants to expedite their admission to college. It also serves as a forum for university units to examine concepts and methods related to the recruitment, instruction, and motivation of students from less advantaged backgrounds.

The Upward Bound program continues to expand opportunities for its students by offering experiences through a variety of programs focusing on cultural enrichment and personal growth. This includes study skills, workshops, cultural field trips, study abroad opportunities, college visits, career exploration, and job shadowing experiences. In addition, it provides programs to help parents and students navigate the financial aid process.

MSU’s Upward Bound Program office is located in South Wonders Hall, Room S36. Call 1-517-353-6701 or visit upwardbound.msu.edu.


 

Serving as a major resource for the state of Michigan, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs provide curricula designed for academically gifted pre-college students. Accelerated Common Core compliant academic year programming is available for high achieving students in grades 7-10 to earn high school credit. Programs are: Cooperative Highly Accelerated Mathematics Program (CHAMP), Intensive Studies in Humanities, Arts, Language, and Literature (ISHALL), Michigan’s Accelerated NihonGo for Americans (M.A.N.G.A. – Japanese Language and Culture), Accelerated Chinese Experience (ACE – Chinese Language and Culture) and Amo Linguam Latinam (ALL Latin language).

Summer programs for grades 3-11 offer both commuter and residential options. The Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) summer program provides curriculum for students who excel in STEAM fields. The Intensive Studies for Gifted and Talented (IS4GT) is a one-week advanced program in a specific concentrated curriculum for gifted students grades 6-11. Gifted University for Parents and Precocious Youth (GUPPY) is designed for young gifted and talented students (3-6 grades) to attend classes taught by MSU faculty and staff at Michigan State University for the week or weekend. This GATE program will offer young, gifted students a variety of accelerated exploratory educational presentations and hands-on experiences. For additional curriculum and application information visit www.gifted.msu.edu, email gifted@msu.edu, or call 1-517-432-2129.