Academic Programs Catalog

Jamie Monson, Director

Siddharth Chandra, Director

Ann Marie Schneider, 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, Director

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/.

James Dorsett, Director

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides services for students and scholars from over 130 countries who enroll, conduct research, or teach at Michigan State University. These services include advising on immigration procedures, financial needs, and personal concerns to promote a successful experience at MSU. OISS provides orientation sessions, workshops, and cultural events designed to acclimate students and scholars to the MSU community. OISS is MSU’s primary information resource on issues related to international students and scholars; it collaborates with the offices of Admissions, Registrar, and Financial Aid, in addition to academic colleges, departments, and schools. The office acts as a liaison with community, national, and international organizations and agencies on international student and scholar issues.

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.studyabroad.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, 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.

IT Services is committed to providing academic and administrative technologies to support the work of MSU and its community. Our services are designed to:
 

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.

Mark Auslander, Director

The MSU Museum is a multidisciplinary museum of sciences and cultural studies. The Museum's core functions are diverse. It is first and foremost an institution of learning and provides education for the widest of audiences through exhibits and related educational programs. The MSU Museum also delivers outreach programs across the state and farther afield through touring exhibits and teleconferenced 'virtual' classes to schools. As part of University Outreach and Engagement, the MSU Museum is committed to engaging the community with knowledge resources of MSU.

The one million objects in the Museum collections span the natural sciences (mostly vertebrate zoology and paleontology), anthropology and archaeology, history and technology, ethnology and folk and decorative arts. These collections support the Museum’s public programs – especially the exhibits - and they are also used for course work for MSU students, especially in the natural sciences and cultural and art studies. Thousands of MSU students engage with the Museum's collections through their courses each year. The collections also support active research programs, by MSU faculty and students, and researchers based around the country and internationally.

Research materials include documented collections of fossil and modern vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes), folk art and folklife, historical materials, and archaeological materials from excavations of sites of early human habitations in the upper Great Lakes region. Collections are under the care of collections managers and curators. Curators may hold joint appointments in various MSU departments. Curators also teach courses within their specialties and direct graduate student research. These collections and the fieldwork required to obtain them are closely correlated with teaching activities and strengthen the research and teaching capabilities of several academic areas. Interested students can participate in Museum fieldwork expeditions. Financial support can be available to assist research studies of students. Research contributions are published widely in refereed and popular media, and in periodic MSU Museum publications.

The MSU Museum collaborates with other academic units to offer the Specialization in Museum Studies that is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

The MSU Museum is the home of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program, the State Folklife Program. Major outreach programs include the Great Lakes Folk Festival and travelling exhibitions service. The Museum provides technical assistance to small museums. Museum staff provide specialist advice to other museums and state agencies in areas relevant to their expertise (natural science, cultural studies, collection care, education, exhibition development).

The programs (collections, teaching, research and public programs) of the MSU Museum have a particular focus on the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes region, but also have strong national and international linkages and coverage. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

The MSU Museum occupies several sites on campus. The main building on West Circle Drive houses the public exhibition galleries, together with offices and some collection storage. Long term-exhibitions include Heritage Hall, Hall of World Cultures, Michigan Artists – Passing on Traditions, Hall of Evolution, Habitat Hall, Animal Diversity, and Collections-Connections In addition to the long-term displays, large and small changing exhibits, events and educational programs are featured throughout the year. Changing exhibits relate to any of the Museum disciplines and increasingly are profiling the nature and impacts of MSU research.

The MSU Museum has a flexible-function, technology-enable auditorium with seating up to 80.  The Museum is available for special events, and some galleries can provide a unique venue experience. The Museum store offers educational and gift items that relate to themes of the displays.

The main public building is open to the public and students from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday. Students may arrange access to collections outside of these hours by contacting with Museum staff.
Museum collections are also housed at other non-public sites around campus, which can be accessed with the appropriate curator or collections manager.

For more information, visit www.museum.msu.edu; call 1-517-355-2370 or email pr@museum.msu.edu for general inquiries.

Paulette Granberry Russell, Director and
Senior Advisor to the President for Diversity

The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives serves as an executive-level focal point for the promotion of inclusion and diversity at Michigan State University. Through its leadership and support of university-wide initiatives on inclusive excellence, it strengthens and creates a supportive environment for the Michigan State University community, fostering inclusion, diversity among faculty, staff and students, institutional equity, and intercultural understanding. It facilitates collaboration within and across units through assessment and education which promotes and enhances equity, respect, civility, and accountability.

The office provides a broad spectrum of instructional opportunities for faculty, staff and students on diversity and inclusion issues; bias, and global and intercultural understanding.  It also promotes consideration of best practices that advance a culture of inclusion at MSU.

The Office serves as the primary resource to the president, provost and various other university officials on issues of diversity and inclusion. The coordination of all these endeavors leads to greater coherence and connectivity of inclusiveness at Michigan State University and beyond.

For more information, visit www.inclusion.msu.edu; email inclusion@msu.edu; or call 1-517-353-3924.

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) is responsible for reviewing and responding to concerns related to discrimination and harassment under the University’s Anti-Discrimination Policy and Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct.  OIE responds to reported incidents by providing access to resources and supportive services and campus, sharing information about individual rights and options, and investigating allegations of prohibited harassment and discrimination.  OIE also provides training on these policies and works collaboratively with other units on campus to encourage best practices and promote a culture of caring and respect.

For more information, please visit OIE’s Web site at oie.msu.edu or call 1-517-353-3922. 

 

James Pivarnik, 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 Olds Hall, 408 West Circle Drive, Room 107 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 Michigan State University Alumni Association 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 100 alumni clubs across the globe.

For those who cannot be with us in person, The MSU Alumni Association 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 Association, livestreams of guest lecturers, some of MSU's favorite professors, and high-profile alumni who are transforming the world today.

The MSU Alumni Association 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 Association fosters lifelong connections with more than 600,000 Spartans around the world. Visit http://alumni.msu.edu.


 

The Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance is responsible for the University’s compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding discrimination and harassment.  OCR provides leadership and oversight for the Office of Institutional Equity and the Title IX Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department.  OCR leads efforts to cultivate a campus community that is free of harassment and discrimination by developing strong institutional policies and procedures, providing resources and supportive services to facilitate ongoing academic and professional success, responding to investigate reported incidents, delivering education and outreach programs to prevent incidents, and engaging the broader campus community to promote a culture of inclusion. 

For more information, please visit OCR’s Web site at civilrights.msu.edu or call 1-517-884-0610.


 

The Prevention Outreach and Education Department (POE) is responsible for providing education programs and facilitating conversations with Michigan State’s campus community on sexual and relationship violence prevention. This department focuses on empowering individuals to be active bystanders and creating culture change. Workshops are provided to students, faculty, staff and the broader community. The department also offers specialized trainings that are designed to reflect unique experiences and needs of different communities on campus. The Program Specialists and Program Director rely on their extensive backgrounds to create inclusive material to engage in dialogue on these important topics.

For more information, please visit POE’s Web site at poe.msu.edu or call 1-517-355-3865. 


 

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 Responsibility 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) 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 students must complete a four-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 (Foundations of the USAF, Evolution of USAF and Space Power, Air Force Leadership Studies, 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 degree 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.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is an engaged public institution that reflects through art the longstanding global focus of Michigan State University. Expressly dedicated to exploring contemporary culture and ideas through the probing gaze of international artists, the Broad MSU is a place where artists’ ideas, words, and actions create a vibrant center for questioning and understanding the world. Committed to education, experimentation, and study, the Broad MSU is a laboratory for the new, grounded in a deep appreciation for the historical. The Broad MSU is committed to  expanding, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting its collection of artwork from ancient cultures to the present day.

For more information, visit www.broadmuseum.msu.edu, e-mail eebam@msu.edu, or call 1-517-884-4800. 

Gabriel Dotto, Director

Michigan State University Press is the scholarly publishing arm of the university. The Press publishes electronic and print books and journals across all scholarly fields, with concentrations in the humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences.

For more information, call 1-517-355-9543 or visit www.msupress.org.

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 1-616-395-8918 or visit www.bioeconomy.msu.edu.

J.R. Haywood, Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs

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 Regulatory Affairs (ORA) 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. ORA 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 through policies, procedures, and monitoring to ensure safe and ethical practices. The program is
fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, which ensures research participants that their safety and privacy are protected, whether they are part of a clinical trial or an opinion survey. The Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Human Research Liaison Offices, and the MSU IRB committees are part of this program. For more information, call 1-517-355-2180, e-mail irb@msu.edu or visit https://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 1-517-353-5065 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.

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

Jamie Haberichter, Specialist
The office oversees the university's compliance with:

1. export control regulations, which impose access, dissemination, and participation restrictions on transfer of controlled goods, software and information, and
2. trade sanction regulations, which apply to certain foreign individuals, entities and governments, based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.

Charles Hasemann, Assistant Vice President

The MSU Innovation Center combines the diverse resources needed for business outreach, technology commercialization, and new business formation under one roof. It is MSU's single site for economic value creation from MSU innovations. Visit www.innovationcenter.msu.edu. The units within the MSU Innovation Center include:

MSU Business-CONNECT - which serves as MSU's front door for corporations, directing businesses to the right MSU resources and enabling two-way strategic communications and planning for business customers. The Business-CONNECT team also supports entrepreneurial and regional economic development efforts. It also negotiates all of Michigan State University’s corporate sponsored research contracts, which total more than $10 million annually. For more information, call 1-517- 884-2370 or visit www.businessconnect.msu.edu.

MSU Technologies - which is Michigan State University's technology transfer and commercialization office. It facilitates the commercial development and public use of technologies and licensable copyrighted materials developed by MSU faculty and staff, with the goal of moving MSU's technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. For more information, call 1-517-355-2186 or visit www.technologies.msu.edu.

Spartan Innovations- which provides resources to support the launch of sustainable MSU start-ups in an effort to bring more of MSU's best research ideas to the marketplace, while helping to develop critical skills for MSU students and improve the Michigan economy. For more information, call 1-517-884-4540 or visit www.spartaninnovations.org.

Michigan State University operates a STEM education center in Midland, Michigan, and provides valuable learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering 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.research.msu.edu/midland or phone 1-989-374-9904.

 

The Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender Resource Center (LBGTRC) leads and collaborates on initiatives to assure all students thrive on our diverse campus and throughout their lives in our global community. We enhance the campus climate and academic and support services for students who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer or who are questioning (LBGTQ) their identities. We provide education about sexual orientation and gender identity and create opportunities to engage the campus on LBGT issues in domestic and global contexts. 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 LBGTRC at 1-517-353-9520; email lbgtrc@msu.edu; or visit www.lbgtrc.msu.edu.

The Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) constructs supportive social and educational communities that actively involve students in learning.  Specifically, OCAT prompts students’ involvement in broad-based university learning experiences (e.g., study-abroad, alternative spring break, 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 mission by building critical alliances and links to academic units.  Additionally, OCAT helps students to understand themselves and others better through cultural and social activities.  Student-to-student interaction is the key to benefitting from diversity, and OCAT strives to bring together individuals as well as groups of students from diverse racial, ethnic, international, and domestic backgrounds for meaningful interactions. Moreover, OCAT supports individual students in their navigation of cross-cultural encounters, and in their own understanding, exploration and development of cultural identity.  OCAT employs multiple strategies to accomplish these goals. Among OCAT’s signature programs are Intercultural Aide Programs, Maximizing Academic Growth in College program (MAGIC), Council on Racial Ethnic Students (CORES), and Spartan Remix.  Visit www.ocat.msu.edu.

To foster T-shaped professionals, the Career Services Network helps students confirm their purpose by: developing an understanding of their skills, interests and values; exploring career options and pathways; acquiring experiences that build abilities and tests options; creating strategies for navigating a job search; and gaining access to professional development opportunities. Network 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 field trips (e.g., Spartan Start-Up entrepreneurship; sports careers; entertainment journalism; careers with government; careers in non-profits)
4. Workshops offered on topics ranging from resume writing and career exploration to networking and interviewing skills.  Custom workshops are provided for classes and student organizations.
5. Career Fairs, including the three-day Career Gallery (business, engineering and technology, science agriculture food environment, packaging and health exchange); 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:  Handshake, an interactive system that manages job, internship, and part-time campus employment listings, on-campus interviews, as well as a comprehensive calendar of career events and workshops.   CareerSearch, a database of over 4 million employers across the US and Canada;  Career Passport, a printed career guide handed out to 20,000 students annually; and the CareerNetwork.msu.edu Web site with information on services, events, guides, career news, and links to other useful resources.

The Counseling Center offes a range of services to enrolled MSU students, including time-limited individual and group counseling, psychological assessment and testing, multicultural counseling, substance abuse counseling, and the Sexual Assault Program, which offers individual and group counseling and advocacy services to students who have experienced sexual assault. Any student registered for one or more credits is eligible for an initial consultation/assessment; as resources permit, additional services and/or referrals to community and on-campus resources may be provided. The Counseling Center's Testing Office is MSU's primary resource for standardized testing, including both computer- and paper-based graduate and professional school entrance exams such as the GRE, MCAT, and TOEFL. The Counseling Center, the Testing Office, and the Sexual Assault Program are located in the Student Services Building and can be reached at 1-517-355-8270 or online at www.counseling.msu.edu.

For additional information, please refer to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services in the Other Departments and Offices for Research and Services section of this catalog.
 

The Community Liaison serves all members of the Mid-Michigan Community, both full-time residents and students, with respect to MSU student-related topics, by fostering effective interactions and increasing open communication.  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. 

 

This unit operates on the belief that individuals who participate in enjoyable sports activities during their college years will gain benefits for a healthy life. Three intramural buildings offer participants at all levels of ability opportunities to participate in over 25  organized intramural sports and over 28  student sports clubs. MSU students, faculty-staff, and alumni  may choose from a diverse array of activities from formal league and tournament play to less competitive and informal recreational activities, exercise, and fitness programs. Persons with disabilities are urged to take advantage of those facilities accessible to them.

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 Student Life staff coordinates the programs described below, provides general assistance to students, and refers students to other offices or agencies as appropriate.  Except as noted, Student Life programs are located in the Student Life Center, 101 Student Services, (517) 355-8286 (TTY 355-2217). See also http://studentlife.msu.edu.

CAMPUS LIFE ORIENTATION. The staff coordinates and promotes academic, cultural, recreational, and personal programs that help ease the transition to the University during the Fall Welcome period.  Programs extend throughout a student’s first year on campus.

GREEK LIFE. The 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.  Staff assist the four major governing boards that are individually responsible for managing and providing services to their member organizations.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION. The staff’s mission is to teach students to be responsible citizens through the adjudication of non-academic disciplinary cases (see Articles 4 and 5 of Spartan Life online at http://splife.studentlife.msu.edu), and by offering a variety of conflict resolution programs and services, including mediation and restorative justice.  

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 www.offcampushousing.msu.edu.

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 800 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 Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence (SARV) Prevention Program promotes safety and improves quality of life by educating students on sexual assault and relationship violence, creating awareness about programs and resources available on campus, empowering students to become advocates for a non-violent community and positively affecting social change.  Through workshops conducted by peer educators the program offers a forum for students to engage in conversation and understand they each share a responsibility in the prevention of violence and the creation of a safe community.   

The MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE) supports MSU faculty and students by offering a variety of resources for community engaged teaching, learning and service. The center promotes a method of teaching called 'service-learning', which encourages students to develop their 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.

The CSLCE prepares students for meaningful community engagement in the following ways:

Service-Learning Placements to help students find academic service-learning and pre-professional volunteering opportunities at local hospitals through our online database (www.servelearnengage.msu.edu).

A Volunteer Matching System (via www.givegab.com) which enables students to easily find local volunteer opportunities, connect with community agencies, and log volunteer service hours. Contact us for more information on joining the MSU GiveGab community, or for assistance in setting up a free GiveGab account.

Service Resources and “Toolkits” which empowers students who want to create their own service projects or service-oriented trips. Our two newest digital toolkits are focused on planning a “Day of Service” and/or an “Alternative Spring Break” trip. Both toolkits are available as free downloads on our Web site (www.servicelearning.msu.edu).

Transportation assistance is offered to students, including a variety of resources including maps, free CATA bus tokens, and shuttle rides to select service sites in Greater Lansing.

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. Our 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.

Voting Resources to promote MSU student voter registration, education, and participation in local, statewide, and national elections (youvote.msu.edu).

If you have questions, or would like more information about these CSLCE resources and services, please visit 345 Student Services Building, email servlrn@msu.edu, call 517-353-4400, or visit www.servicelearning.msu.edu.

The CSLCE is a jointly administered unit of the Office of the Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.

The Upward Bound Program is designed to assist high school students, who are low-income and/or potential first generation college students, in generating the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of postsecondary education. Students are admitted to the program on the basis of an assessment of their academic performance, recommendations from teachers and counselors, and a personal interview.

The program provides services such as personal and group counseling; instruction in careers, composition and literature, mathematics, laboratory science; tutoring; field trips; service learning; a one-week summer residential living experience; college preparation; and numerous extra-curricular activities. College preparatory activities include college tours, admissions and financial aid workshops, speakers who address topics such as choosing a major, adjusting to college life, orientation testing, and personal finances. These services are provided during the summer and the academic year components of the program. Instruction and tutorial assistance are provided by university faculty, secondary school teachers, graduate and undergraduate students.

The Upward Bound Program office is located in South Wonders Hall, S36, call 1-517-353–6701, e-mail hammong@msu.edu or visit www.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), Langue pour Etudiants Avances de Francais (LEAF French language), and Amo Linguam Latinam (ALL Latin language).

Summer camps for grades 7-9 offer both commuter and residential options. The Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) summer camp provides curriculum for students who excel in STEM fields. The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) camp is for those interested in forensic science. The Future DOcs camp is for students interested in learning about the medical field. The GUPPY program for grades 4-6 is a weekend commuter camp for students to explore a variety of advanced topics with MSU faculty and staff. For additional curriculum and application information visit www.gifted.msu.edu, email gifted@msu.edu, or call 1-517-432-2129.