Calendars
Q: Where would I obtain a university calendar of important dates?
A: The following calendars are available on the web:
Current Students
Q: How do I enroll for classes?
A: Students may enroll for classes Monday
through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m.
Saturday until 8:00 p.m. Sunday (subject to availability). You must have
MSU NetID and password or your PID and PAN to enroll. Students cannot access
the enrollment system until their assigned appointment time. All
holds must be cleared before enrolling.
For more information, read about
Enrollment Information.
Q: How do I drop a course?
A: You can drop any course on the enrollment system through the middle of the term of instruction.
Click on the section number in the
Class Search to see important drop dates.
To drop a course after the middle of the term you must follow the regulations as enumerated in the
General Procedures and Regulations section of
Academic Programs.
If you wish to drop a course but have a hold, call the Registrar's Office at (517) 355-3300 for assistance.
Q: Why can't I enroll?
A: You may be attempting to enroll before your scheduled time. Check your enrollment
access in
student.msu.edu.
You may not have enrollment access. Contact the Registrar's Office, (517) 355-3300.
You may have a hold. All current holds can be viewed on
student.msu.edu.
You may need to apply for readmission. Read about the
Readmission Procedure.
You may need an override - contact the department offering the course. Review the
course restrictions and prerequisites in the
Course Descriptions.
Q: How can I find the time at which I am able to enroll for classes?
A: Enrollment access information is available on
student.msu.edu. Select "Classes" then "Enrollment Dates" in the left navigation.
Q: How can I change my address with the University?
A: Address changes may be done:
- On the web - student.msu.edu.
- In person in the Registrar's Office, 150 Administration Building.
- Over the phone at (517) 355-3300 during normal business hours.
Q: How do I change my major?
A: Freshmen and sophomores with 55 or fewer credits must initiate the change of
major preference either in the office of the associate dean of the new
college major or in the appropriate Undergraduate University Division
Student Affairs Office. Juniors and seniors wishing to change their major must initiate the change
in the office of the associate dean of the college to which the student
wishes to transfer. Go to the
Colleges and Programs
for a list of college web sites.
Q: How do I know if I am a full-time undergraduate student?
A: If you have 12 or more credits, you are full time.
Q: How many credits do I need to be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior?
A:
| Class |
Credits |
| Freshman |
0-27 |
| Sophomore |
28-55 |
| Junior |
56-87 |
| Senior |
88+ |
Q: I would like a copy of my grade report. How can I get one?
A: Grade Reports are mailed only to students affected by the Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students (ASUS) early-warning system.
All grades are available in
student.msu.edu.
Q: I have an NGR grade. What does it mean?
A: An NGR (No Grade Reported) marker has been inserted in your records because
your instructor failed to submit grades by the standard deadline. As soon as
these grades are submitted your real grade will replace the NGR.
Q: How can I learn whether a course I plan to take at another school
will transfer back to Michigan State?
A: Go to
Transfer MSU,
the online transfer credit equivalency system.
Q: Where can I get a listing of tuition and fees?
Q: Where can I find what holds are on my account?
A: You will not be allowed to enroll or receive a diploma until all holds are cleared. All holds not cleared will appear in
student.msu.edu.
Q: Can I request a waiver of late enrollment fees?
A: In extraordinary circumstances, the Registrar's Office may waive
late enrollment fees. Submit your request in writing to the Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Rd, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603.
Q: What are the enrollment requirements for graduate students and
teaching assistants or research assistants?
Q: How do I withdraw from the University?
A: A withdrawal from the university occurs when students drop all of their courses within a semester. Students may drop all of their courses through the middle of the term of instruction using the online enrollment system
or in person at the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building. For withdrawals that occur before the middle of the term of instruction, courses in which the student is enrolled will be deleted from the
official record.
Undergraduate students are strongly advised to seek guidance regarding the impact of withdrawal from the university by contacting either the associate dean of their major college or academic advisor.
For most students who have fewer than 56 credit hours, the Associate Dean's function is served by the Undergraduate University Division (UUD). Exceptions are James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College,
the Residential College in Arts and Humanities, and students in Engineering who have been admitted earlier than 56 credits.
Graduate students should consult with their advisor, major professor, or graduate program director; this is especially important if appointed as a graduate assistant.
Q: How do I change my legal name on my records?
A: You should bring a driver's license, official state ID card, Social Security card,
court order of legal name change, current passport, or official proof of identity
certified by U.S. embassy abroad or by the appropriate foreign embassy in the United States
to the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building.
You may also submit your request by mail or fax, (517) 353-1935, including legible copies of your
documentation.
Q: What is a preferred name?
A: You may prefer to be addressed by a name that is different from your legal name. The university recognizes
that many of its students use names other than their legal names to identify themselves and allows you to
do this by establishing a preferred name.
Q: How do I establish or update my preferred name?
Q: May I establish my preferred name to whatever I want?
A: No. The university reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it is used inappropriately,
including but not limited to, avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation.
Q: Will my preferred name be used for everything at the university?
A: No. The legal name will continue to be used for certain university records, documents, and business processes
such as reporting, financial aid, official transcripts, and other records where use of legal name is required
by law or university policy.
Q: How will the preferred name display in university systems?
A: The preferred name will be displayed in parenthesis behind the legal first name across university systems,
where possible. The preferred name will be displayed in systems such as Desire2Learn, student.msu.edu, Office of
the Registrar Instructor systems, and MSU People Search.
Q: What is the process for having my preferred name appear on my MSU ID Card?
A: New students who submit a preferred name on their application for admission will receive an ID card at
the Academic Orientation Program with their preferred name. Students who have already been issued an MSU
ID Card may request a card through the ID Office for a fee of $20.
Q: How long do I need to wait to request a MSU ID Card after I establish or update my preferred name in student.msu.edu?
A: Requests should be made no less than one business day after updating the preferred name in
student.msu.edu.
Q: How will my preferred name appear on my MSU ID Card?
A: The preferred name will print in the place of the legal first name on the front of the card. The legal
first and last name will be printed on the back of the card.
Q: Where can I get an I-20?
A: You can get an I-20 from the Office for International Students
and Scholars, 103 International Center, (517) 353-1720.
Q: How does an employer or lender find out my enrollment
and/or graduation status?
A: Michigan State reports semester enrollment status and completed degree
information to the National Student Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse provides
data on a regular basis to governmental and private lenders. Prospective
employers may call the Clearinghouse at (703) 742-4200 or visit their web site
at
www.studentclearinghouse.org
to confirm degree information.
Q: How can I obtain verification of my current enrollment at MSU?
In-State Tuition Status
Q: Do military service members and their dependents qualify for in-state status?
A:
Yes. If the student, the spouse of a student, or a parent or stepparent of a dependent student:
- Is serving on active duty in the United States Uniformed Services;
- Is serving in the guard or reserves in one of the reserve components; or
- Has received an honorable discharge from one of those Services or reserve components.
Q: Does the payment of income or property taxes to the state of Michigan affect a student's eligibility for in-state status?
A: No. A person must be domiciled in the state of Michigan to be eligible to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes. For University purposes, "domicile" is defined as the individual's true, fixed and primary permanent home.
Q: After completing my first year at MSU will I qualify for in-state status?
A: No. To qualify for in-state tuition status, students must prove that they are living in the state of Michigan for non-educational purposes. If an individual's activities or circumstances are considered unknown or temporary, such as (but not limited to) educational pursuit, that individual is not considered to be domiciled in the state of Michigan and thus, will be classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes.
Q: If I work in Michigan during the summer will I qualify for in-state status?
A: No. Part-time, temporary, on-call, seasonal, student or other like employment in Michigan does not qualify a student for in-state tuition status.
Q: How long do I need to live in Michigan to be eligible for in-state status?
A: Both parents or legal guardians (if married) or one parent (in the case of being single, widowed, legally separated, or divorced)
or a non-dependent student need to physically reside in Michigan for 12 consecutive months.
Please refer to I.A and I.B under Establishing Eligibility through Michigan Domicile for the respective requirements of a
dependent student and non-dependent student under this provision.
Q: Is it possible to be a legal resident of the state of Michigan and not be eligible for the in-state fee classification?
A: Yes. The state of Michigan determines the requirements for becoming a legal resident of the
state. However, Michigan State University determines when a student becomes eligible for the in-state
tuition classification at the University.
Q: Does an out-of-state student become automatically eligible for in-state status by marrying a Michigan resident?
A: No. Although marriage to a resident of Michigan is considered in the determination of in-state tuition status, the existence of this factor alone does not qualify a student for in-state status.
Q: My company has transferred me to Michigan. Will my dependents qualify for in-state status?
A: In the case of a dependent student, if both parents or legal guardians (if married) or one parent (in the case of being single, widowed, legally separated, or divorced) are/is domiciled in Michigan for twelve (12) consecutive months as demonstrated by their permanent employment, establishment of a household, and severance of out-of-state ties, the student will be classified as in-state.
Q: My family has just relocated to Michigan. Will I qualify for in-state status?
A: Both parents or legal guardians (if married) or one parent (in the case of being single, widowed, legally separated, or divorced) of a dependent student or a non-dependent student need to physically reside in Michigan for 12 consecutive
months. Please refer to I.A and I.B under Establishing Eligibility through Michigan Domicile for the respective requirements of a dependent student and non-dependent student under this provision.
Q: If my parents move out of Michigan will I lose my in-state status?
A: No. If a parent of a dependent student moves out of Michigan during the time the student is enrolled at the University, the student's in-state tuition classification will be maintained unchanged as long as the student remains continuously enrolled (Fall and Spring semesters) at Michigan State University.
Q: I graduated from a Michigan high school. My parents still reside in Michigan, but I attended a non-Michigan college or university. Do I qualify for in-state status?
A: Yes. If you are a dependent student (age 24 or younger), the in-state tuition status of a prospective student domiciled in Michigan will not be affected by the student's full-time attendance at a non-Michigan college or university, prior to enrolling at Michigan State University.
Q: My family moved out of Michigan while I was in high school; do I qualify for in-state status?
A student will receive in-state tuition if:
A:
- Moved for a Job, but Domiciled in Michigan
If a student, or the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a dependent student is domiciled in Michigan but has been temporarily transferred outside Michigan by their employer (but has not become domiciled outside Michigan), the student will receive in-state tuition.
- Moved Out of Michigan after Completion of Student’s Sophomore Year
If the student, or the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a dependent student moves out of Michigan after the completion of the student’s sophomore year in an accredited Michigan high school, the student will receive in-state tuition if:
- The dependent student's parent(s) or guardian(s) moved out of Michigan after the student completes their sophomore year in a Michigan high school; and
- The dependent student and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) resided in Michigan for a minimum of ten (10) years prior to their departure.
Q: If I move to Michigan and live with a family member will I qualify for in-state status?
A: No. A student who is 24 years of age or younger is presumed to be a dependent of their parents or legal guardians (if married) or one parent (in the case of being single, widowed, legally separated, or divorced).
Q: Are the children of Michigan State University alumni automatically eligible for the in-state fee classification?
A: No. The alumni status of the student's parents is not a factor in determining in-state tuition status.
Q: Do non-U.S. citizens qualify for in-state status?
A: Non-U.S. citizens who are entitled to reside permanently in the United States are eligible for in-state tuition status. The individual must prove they have established Michigan domicile as defined in the Regulations.
Q: How do students request reclassification to in-state status?
A: A student who believes they should be classified as in-state under the regulations, is required to complete an
Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status. Applications and required documentation should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824
or emailed to
feeclass@msu.edu in .pdf format at least thirty (30) days in advance of the semester in which reclassification is sought.
Q: Is there an "effective date" that applies to a person's eligibility for in-state status?
A: Yes.Circumstances that exist on the first day of classes of each individual semester determine a student's eligibility for in-state tuition status for that semester.
Q: If a student is reclassified to in-state status, is it possible to get a refund of the out-of-state tuition paid?
A: Yes. In situations where a student provides evidence they were eligible for in-state tuition status in a prior semester, the student may seek retroactive reclassification and a refund of the out-of-state tuition differential.
Q: Can a student appeal the decision from the Office of the Registrar?
A:
Yes. Any student desiring to challenge the decision of the Office of the Registrar's Review Committee has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal should consist of a written statement and any supporting documentation explaining why the decision of the Review Committee is wrong. The appeal will be reviewed by the Out-of-State Fees Committee. Appeals should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824 or emailed to
feeclass@msu.edu.
General
Q: Where can I obtain campus telephone numbers?
Q: How can I find a campus building?
Q: How can I learn what a building code means?
Q: Where can I get Immunization information?
Q: What are my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
Q: Where can I find information on summer session on MSU's Pre-college Programs and courses, Preschool - K 12 programs and activities, MSU camps, and places to visit on campus?
Q: Where can I get answers to other general questions I might have?
A: The Registrar's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and can be reached at (517) 355-3300. Information is also available on the
Office of the Registrar site. You may also make after hours and weekend inquiries
with the university operators at (517) 355-1855.
For general technology questions, contact the MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 or (844) 678-6200, or visit
tech.msu.edu/support.
Graduation/Honors
Q: Where can I find the degree requirements for my major?
A: Consult with your academic advisor regarding requirements for your degree.
Q: I am graduating this year. What should I do to receive my diploma?
A: Students expecting to graduate must fill out a
graduation application
before the start of their final semester.
Commencement information will be sent to each degree candidate midway through their final semester.
Commencements are held Fall and Spring semesters. Summer degree candidates may participate during
the Fall or Spring ceremonies.
For further information, visit the
Commencement and Ceremonial Events site.
Q: When will my degree be awarded?
A: As soon as all remaining requirements are satisfied.
Q: If I did not graduate as planned, do I need to fill out another application?
Q: Where is the Dean's Honor List posted?
Q: What are the requirements to make the Dean's Honors List?
A: The Dean's Honors List honors all full-time undergraduates in the University
who earn a 3.50 or better grade-point average for the courses totaling 12 or
more numerically graded credits for a given semester.
Q: How do I get my diploma?
A: Your diploma will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your Application
for Graduation, and will be mailed to you approximately four to six weeks after the end of
the semester that you graduate.
Q: What is the size of my diploma?
A: Diploma sizes are as follows:
- Bachelor, Masters, EDS: 8 1/2" x 11"
- PhD, DMA, Medical: 12" x 15"
Q: How can I change the name on my diploma?
A: If your name has changed, you may have your diploma and records adjusted. Visit the
Registrar's Office
with documentation or mail your request. The replacement diploma fee is $50.00 and can be paid for by check, Visa, MasterCard,
Discover, or American Express. To order a duplicate or replacement diploma, please contact the Records & Degree team at (517) 353-5151
or
es.ro.records.degree@msu.edu.
Q: What are the requirements to graduate with honors?
Lifelong Education
Q: How do I enroll for an online course?
Q: How will I know if my Lifelong Education Application has been approved?
A: You will receive an email or hardcopy confirmation from the Registrar's Office.
Q: What do I need to know in case I want to drop my course and/or add another course?
Q: Who can I talk to about my course or program?
A: Email the course instructor or program coordinator.
Q: Who is my contact as a Lifelong Education student at MSU?
Q: What online courses or programs can I take for credit and/or non-credit?
Q: What does "credit" and "non-credit" mean for high school students?
A: Students taking MSU courses under the Lifelong Education status will receive college credit. Students taking
courses for non-credit will receive high school credit or documentation that they have
completed a particular course.
Lost and Found
Q: I lost my coat, gloves, . . .
A: For lost possessions, contact the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) at (517) 355-2222.
Q: I can't find my ID card.
A: First, call the Library (517) 355-2333 to report the loss. Next, call the ID Office in 170 International Center, (517) 355-4500, to see whether your card has been turned in.
New ID Cards cost $20 and can be obtained in 170 International Center, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
For more information regarding the Spartan Card (Michigan State University identification card) please visit
http://idoffice.msu.edu/.
Q: I need my MSUNet ID and Password.
Q: I can't find my diploma.
New/Entering Students
Q: How do I apply for admission to Michigan State?
Q: I am not an MSU student but I would like to take some courses.
How may I enroll?
Q: Do I have to readmit?
A: If you haven't been registered at the University for three
consecutive semesters (counting Summer), were recessed or dismissed
from the University, or have graduated but wish to pursue another degree
at the same level, you need to submit a
readmission application.
There is no charge. The application should be submitted to the Registrar's Office at least
one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which you expect to
resume studies.
Q: Where can I get information about MSU's computer requirement?
A: For technology resources at MSU, visit
https://tech.msu.edu.
Read about:
For general technology help and support, contact the MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 or (844) 678-6200, or visit
tech.msu.edu/support.
Q: How do I activate my MSUNet ID and email?
A: Go to
netid.msu.edu to set up your MSU NetID and e-mail account.
Additional MSU technology resources are available at
tech.msu.edu.
Q: How do I apply for Lifelong Education?
Q: How can I qualify for In-State tuition?
Q: Where can I get information or resources for undocumented students, refugees and recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program?
Q: Where can I buy textbooks?
Transcripts
Q: How do I order a transcript?
A: Transcripts may be ordered over the web, in person, by fax or mail.
You must provide a complete mailing address for all transcripts ordered.
Fill out a
Transcript Request on the web.
MSU transcript requests are processed within one business day.
You may request that your transcript be sent electronically. With Electronic Transcripts, an email with a secure access code will be sent to the email address
you provide. The recipient, using the secure access code, will be able to view your transcript in a PDF format securely on the Registrar's Office website.
In addition to the email address, you will still need to provide the name and address of the recipient. It is your responsibility to notify the recipient that
you requested electronic delivery and they should expect an email from rotran@msu.edu. If you order the Electronic Transcript on the Registrar's Office web
site, you will also receive an email notice when the transcript notice has been sent to the recipient and again when the transcript has been viewed.
Transcripts may be ordered in person in the Registrar's Office, 150 Administration Building, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Mail and fax orders must include your name, daytime telephone number, address, date of birth, signature, and either MSU student number or social security number.
Please also include a complete address to where the transcript is to be sent.
The fax number is (517) 432-1649.
The mailing address is:
MSU Transcripts
Michigan State University
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 150
East Lansing, MI 48824-2603
For mail or fax orders, please feel free to complete the
Transcript Request Mail-in Form. This form includes all pertinent information asked for above.
Q: How can I obtain the description of a course I took?