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 Students and Graduate Assistants. 

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 Students and Graduate Assistants.


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, other eligible individuals and children, and dependents of graduate assistants can be enrolled on a voluntary basis and are partially funded by MSU.

 


International Students

All 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

Campus Health Services, a unit of University Health and Well-Being, provides outpatient medical services for eligible Michigan State University students and their spouses or domestic partners. Primary care medical services are available on campus year-round and include full service primary care, psychiatry, laboratory, radiology, nutrition, and gynecology services, as well as an allergy and immunization clinic. Appointments are required by calling 1-517-353-4660 or visiting uhw.msu.edu . The Phone Information Nurse is available for health-related questions 24-hours per day and can be reached at 1-517-353-5557.

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, or for the first three psychiatric visits for enrolled MSU students for their lifetime at MSU. Lab services, medical procedures, prescriptions, and more may incur a charge. MSU will bill insurance for the fourth and subsequent visits, as well as for these 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 if applicable.

See all University Health and Well-Being services at uhw.msu.edu.

Health Promotion and Engagement

Health Promotion and Engagement, a unit of University Health and Well-Being, provides a variety of skill building programs, health information, and campus wide initiatives to help students achieve academic success by supporting their wellbeing. 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. 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 and Basic Needs, providing free food and household items to students experiencing food and basic needs insecurity 
  • 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 
For more information about University Health and Well-Being services, visit uhw.msu.edu.

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD), a unit of University Health and Well-Being, aims to provide accommodations, resources, and community for students and employees with disabilities. RCPD's goal is to ensure access for Spartans with disabilities to all aspects of campus life and build a community that supports inclusion at MSU. 

To register with RCPD and begin the process of identifying accommodations that best suit your needs with an Access Specialist, visit rcpd.msu.edu or call 1-517-884-7273.  Visit the Get Started page for step-by-step instructions on creating your profile with our AccessMSU Accommodation Portal.

For more information about University Health and Well-Being services, visit uhw.msu.edu.
 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS, a unit of University Health and Well-Being, offers enrolled 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.

Free, confidential services include:

  • Goal-oriented individual counseling
  • Group counseling
The CAPS Crisis Line, 1-517-355-8270, is available 24/7 (press 1 at the prompt).

Other services include:
  • Community engagement and outreach programming to educate and support the campus around mental health
  • CAPS Connect chats for a brief check-in with a counselor or opportunity to learn about resources
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, a unit of University Health and Well-Being, works with sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment survivors and others affected by this violence. They provide free and confidential individual counseling, advocacy, and support groups to MSU students, faculty, staff, 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 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. The MSU Sexual Assault Healthcare Program can be reached by phone at 1-517-353-2700.

MSU Safe Place shelter provides emergency shelter and accompanying support, such as advocacy, counseling, safety planning, and referrals, for survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking. MSU Safe Place can be reached by phone at 1-517-355-1110.

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.

For more information on University Health and Well-Being services, visit 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 appointed by the President to provide an independent, neutral, informal, and confidential resource for all members of the MSU community. The Ombudsperson assists individuals in navigating concerns and resolving issues by listening, providing information, clarifying policies, identifying options, and facilitating informal resolutions when appropriate.

The Ombudsperson does not advocate for any individual or for the university but promotes fair treatment, process and outcomes. The Office of the University Ombudsperson is not a formal office of notice and does not conduct investigations or participate in formal grievance or disciplinary procedures. Communications with the Ombudsperson are off the record and are held in strict confidence to the extent permitted by law and university policy.

To carry out this role effectively, the Ombudsperson has broad access to university personnel, policies, and data necessary to understand patterns of concern and provide feedback to support systemic improvement. The Office also serves as a resource to students, faculty, administrators, and staff by clarifying university policies and offering guidance on effective conflict management.

Established in 1967 with the adoption of the Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University, the Office of the University Ombudsperson is one of the longest continuously operating university ombuds offices in the United States. For more information, visit http://ombud.msu.edu/, email ombud@msu.edu, or call 1-517-353-8830.


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 dpps.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. For more information about OSS and TRIO, please call 1-517-884-6670 or visit us at 434 Farm Lane, Room 209 Bessey Hall or online at trio.oss.msu.edu.


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 cata.org for personal trip itineraries,
comprehensive service information and online pass sales.

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.

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.

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.