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Michigan State University
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  • University Curriculum and Catalog
    • University Catalog
    • University Curriculum
    • University Curriculum Committee
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  • Compliance
    • FERPA
    • State Authorization & Distance Learning
    • Consumer Protection
    • Professional Licensure Student Achievement Data
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  • Contact & Resources
Office of Accreditation, Assessment, Curriculum, and Compliance
  • About
  • Accreditation
  • Assessment
  • University Curriculum and Catalog
  • Compliance
  • Contact & Resources

< About

  • Staff
  • Communications

< Accreditation

  • HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation, 2024-2025
  • Accrediting Agencies
  • FAQ

< Assessment

  • Undergraduate Academic Program Review
  • Assessment Working Group
  • Graduate Program Review
  • Spartan Experience Record

< University Curriculum and Catalog

  • University Catalog
  • University Curriculum
  • University Curriculum Committee

< Compliance

  • FERPA
  • State Authorization & Distance Learning
  • Consumer Protection
  • Professional Licensure Student Achievement Data

< Contact & Resources

Resources

  • Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance
  • Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
  • Office of Compliance Services
  • Office of Regulatory Research Support
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Student Consumer Protection

Student Consumer Protection

Michigan State University (MSU) discloses the following information to enrolled and prospective students in accordance with federal law. For further information, the Office of Financial Aid staff is available on a full-time basis; their contact information may be found at finaid.msu.edu/about/contact.

Academic and Instructional Facilities

MSU’s Schedule of Courses provides the instructional address and Campus Map location where academic instruction takes place for each individual course. The information is available by semester, course number and section code, and location.

25Live provides detailed information regarding MSU lecture halls, class labs, computer labs, technology rooms, and other learning spaces. 25Live includes specifics related to accessibility, special accommodations, Ethernet, wireless access, audio-visual, room size, furnishing, etc. for each instructional location.

Academic Governance

Michigan State University has a robust shared Academic Governance system through which students, faculty, and administrators participate in decision-making processes at the department, college or school, and university levels. The Bylaws for Academic Governance are designed to provide an effective system for the participation of faculty and students in the development of policy on academic matters. To learn more, visit the websites provided above.

The University Committee on Curriculum (UCC) is the faculty committee responsible for overseeing the review and approval of academic policies, programs, courses, and curriculum changes at Michigan State University. The UCC helps ensure that the university's academic offerings maintain quality, integrity and compliance with institutional and accreditation standards. For information regarding curriculum policies and procedures related to academic governance, visit University Committee on Curriculum.


Security, Fire Safety and Campus Crime Statistics Annual Report

MSU, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (a federal law known as the “Clery Act”), publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which provides MSU students and employees (both current and prospective) with information about the campus, police and public safety resources, reporting crimes, fire and medical emergencies, crime and fire prevention, victim support services, the law and University policies, campus facilities, residence hall security, crime statistics, fire statistics, the crime and fire log, the University's Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy, the MSU Drug and Alcohol Policy and more. You can access the report here. A hard copy of this document may be obtained by contacting Maja Myszkowski, Clery Act Compliance Coordinator, at (517) 353-2620 or email at clery@msu.edu.

Services for Students with Disabilities

MSU Support Services

  • Accessibility Resources
  • Digital Accessibility
  • Supportive Services
  • Learning Resources
  • Report Inaccessible Content

At Michigan State University, we believe our differences are assets.

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  • Site Map|
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  • Notice of Nondiscrimination|

SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|

Academic Programs, Program Accreditation, and Articulation and Consortium Agreements

Information concerning MSU's current educational programs and course descriptions is available at the Academic Programs Catalog. This includes information about instructional, laboratory, and other physical facilities that relate to academic programs, as well as faculty and other instructional personnel.

Information related to institutional accreditation is provided at Accreditation and academic programmatic accreditations and approvals at Agencies Accrediting Academic Programs. Michigan State University has entered into a formal agreements with a number of institutions, both nationally and internationally. The Articulation and Consortium Agreements webpage provides information on agreements that impact degree requirements.

Accreditation - Institutional

Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Information regarding Michigan State University's accreditation status is available through the Higher Learning Commission's institutional directory. 

Alcohol and Other Controlled Substances Policy

The University Policy on Alcohol and Controlled Substances can be accessed here. The Annual Security Report provides information about alcohol and other drug health risks, drug alcohol laws and penalties, and campus alcohol and other drug education and counseling resources. 

Campus Health Services

University Health and Well-Being supports the university community by promoting health and well-being as an integral part of all aspects of Spartan life. Through a culturally responsive, equitable, and holistic approach, University Health and Well-Being enhances access to care, fosters a safe and supportive campus environment, and provides a comprehensive range of service designed to support the physical, mental and emotional well-being of students. Services include:

  • Campus Health Services (Olin Health Center)
  • Crisis and Emergency Services
  • Health and Well-Being Services
  • Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)

For additional information about available programs, services, eligibility, hours and resources, students are encouraged to visit the respective University Health and Well-Being websites.

 

Copyright Infringement and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policies and Sanctions

The following links provide information about MSU policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement and unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, including disciplinary action taken against students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using MSU information technology systems. The information also includes a notice that informs students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material may subject the students to civil and criminal liabilities. A summary of the penalties for violation of federal copyright laws is also provided.

  • MSU Libraries Office of Copyright
  • Digital Millennium Copyright Act Procedures
  • IT Services Guidelines and Policies
  • Notice of Written Plan for Copyright Provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
Cost of Attendance

Information concerning the cost of attending MSU is available from the Office of the Controller. These costs consist of tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and any additional costs for a program in which the student is enrolled or expresses an interest.

  • Housing Rates
  • Textbook Information/Required Course Materials - Detailed lists of required course materials are made available to students through the Schedule of Courses.
  • Transportation On Campus and Vehicle Registration
  • Tuition and Cost Planning
    • Tuition Rate
    • Estimated Undergraduate/Graduate Budgets
    • Tuition, Fees and Housing Calculator
    • Net Price Calculator
    • History of MSU's Tuition Per Credit Amounts
Faculty Roster

View the Faculty Roster here.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid website includes information about the following: need-based and non-need-based federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial assistance programs available to students; eligibility requirements and procedures for applying for aid; criteria for selecting recipients and determining amount of award; methods and frequency of disbursements of aid; financial aid terms and conditions, including terms applicable to employment provided as part of a financial aid package; rights and responsibilities of students receiving Title IV, HEA loans; the availability of financial aid for study abroad programs; how financial aid is handled when students withdraw; and whom to contact for questions regarding financial aid. Federal notices concerning the terms and conditions of federal student loans, entrance and exit counseling information, drug violation penalties, and the code of conduct for financial aid professionals and advisory disclosure are available here.

IV, HEA Programs – Study Abroad
A student’s enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by MSU may be considered enrollment at MSU for the purpose of applying for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. For more information regarding financial assistance that may be available for students enrolled in MSU’s study abroad programs, see this webpage.

Governing Board of Michigan State University

Michigan State University Board of Trustees established in accordance with the Constitution of Michigan of 1963 (MCL-Article VIII Sec. 5).

Graduation and Retention Rates (Student Right-to-Know Act)

Graduation data of degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students at MSU is available at ir.msu.edu/grad-rates. Information concerning retention rates is available at the IPEDS Data Center.

Intercollegiate Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act)

In compliance with the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, information on men's and women's athletic programs at MSU is available here. The report includes the number of participants by gender for each team, operating and recruiting expenses, coaches' salaries, revenues, and athletically related student aid. A copy of the report is available online on the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education Equity in Athletics Disclosure website here. A paper copy of the report may be obtained by contacting the MSU Office of Institutional Research at (517) 355-9271.

Missing Student Notification Procedures

Notification procedures to be followed when a student residing in on-campus housing has been reported missing for more than 24 hours are available in this document.

Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
  • Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
  • Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP)
  • Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM)
  • Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy
PELL Grant Recipients – National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Placement of Graduates

The Destination Survey Report provides post-graduation outcomes of MSU baccalaureate degree recipients, including the types of graduate and professional education programs in which graduates enrolled. The report is prepared using information obtained annually from students who received a baccalaureate degree, offering a snapshot of their progress during the transition out of college.

Privacy of Student Records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives students the right to review their education records, to request amendment of their records, to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information, and to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information regarding student rights under FERPA is available here. This information includes MSU procedures for reviewing and requesting amendment of education records, notice of the types of information MSU has designated as directory information, and students' right to opt-out of directory information. The Michigan State University Access to Student Information guidelines, a copy of the annual notice and notification of directory information, and other FERPA resources may be accessed through the Michigan State University FERPA webpage. If you have any questions about your rights under FERPA, reach out to ferpa@msu.edu.

Educational Requirements for Professional Licensure and Certification

Federal regulations require MSU to publicly disclose, for each educational program designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (or advertised as meeting those requirements), information about whether program completion would meet those requirements in a state. These public disclosure requirements apply to all programs, regardless of their modality (i.e., on-ground, online, and hybrid programs). MSU discloses the required information related to the educational requirements for professional licensure and certification in the table at this link.

All current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the applicable professional licensure/certification boards in their respective states for additional information regarding professional licensure/certification requirements, including, without limitation, information regarding any non-educational requirements (such as work experience, background clearance, or examination by outside entities, such as bar examinations).

The information in the table should not be construed as guaranteeing that any particular professional licensure/certification authority will approve a student’s application; nor should the information in the table be read to imply that other requirements for professional licensure/certification do not exist or that other requirements for professional licensure/certification have been determined to have been met by MSU’s program/course, or that any necessary approvals for clinical or other experiential learning placements are secured by virtue of a student’s enrollment at MSU.

State professional licensure/certification requirements are subject to change at any time.

Refund Policy
  • Refund of Course Fees and Tuition
  • Financial Aid Refund Policy
    • Return of Funds Policy for Title IV Aid Recipients Who Withdraw
    • Refund Rules for Other Fees, Taxes, Assessments
    • The Engineering Program Fee, Science and Technology Fee, Health Science Program Fee and Broad College of Business Program Fees or the differential is refunded in the same percentage as course fees when withdrawing from the University or dropping from above 4 credits to 4 credits or less.
    • Student government taxes, FM Radio tax, and The State News assessments are refundable upon presentation of the appropriate receipt at the respective organization's office.
    • Late Registration Fees - will not be refunded.
    • Residence Hall Housing Fees are refunded on a pro-rata basis, based on certain variables. In some instances, the cost of room and board may be prorated as of the day following departure, if proper check-out procedures have been followed. Details and procedures are found in the On-Campus Housing Handbook: Terms and Conditions.
    • University Apartment Rent Refunds - Tenants will be held to their lease end date, so no proration will occur if they move out early. Refunds for tenants who have been officially released from their lease will be prorated as of the day following the official check out time.

In general, all fees collected by Michigan State University and their respective refund policies shall be subject to judicial review as provided in Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University.

Students seeking disability-related accommodations should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) or University Health and Well-Being for assistance.

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal access to educational programs, services, and activities in accordance with federal and state laws.

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA:), 42 U.S.C. Secs 12101-12213, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. Sec 794, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and state/local government services. In Michigan, these rights are further protected by the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (MCL-Act 220 of 1976).

Spartan Experience
  • Spartan Welcome Letter
  • Student Life & Engagement
  • MSU Safe Place - Relationship Violence and Stalking Program
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Law Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities (MSRR)
  • Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge
Student Body Diversity

Information about student body diversity, including the number of enrolled full-time students by gender and race/ethnicity, is provided in the Common Data Set. The number of undergraduate students who receive a Federal Pell Grant is available at nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/.

Student Complaint Information

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT CONFLICT AND GRIEVANCE SYSTEMS
The University encourages students and prospective students initially to address complaints relating to MSU institutional policies and consumer protection issues with personnel in the office, department or college that caused the alleged grievance. Senior University administrators will be involved, as needed, to resolve the complaints. To learn more about the conflict and grievance systems at MSU, visit this Office of the University Ombudsperson webpage.

STATE OF MICHIGAN
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Postsecondary Schools is the agency designated to review complaints against institutions of higher education providing distance education. Complaints concerning MSU’s distance education activities regulated by Michigan's Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (2015 PA 45) may be directed to Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Postsecondary Schools, P.O. Box 30726, Lansing, MI 48909 through the process described at www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/pss.

Complaints concerning consumer protection violations may be directed to the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Michigan, Consumer Protection Division, P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909-7713 or secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.


HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION
Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students may submit a complaint about an HLC-accredited institution using the HLC complaint process for filing complaints that remain unresolved after engaging in the above-referenced process. Complaints concerning broad institutional academic practices, such as those that raise issues regarding the University's ability to meet accreditation standards, may be forwarded to the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604; 800-621-7440 / 312-263-0456; info@hlcommission.org. 

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS (NC-SARA)
A student living in a SARA reciprocity agreement state who is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional conflict and grievance process and resolution was not found may file a student complaint using the NC-SARA Student Complaint Process on the NC-SARA website.

  • NC-SARA Student Complaint Process - Online Distance Education Programs
  • NC-SARA State Portal Agencies – Online Distance Education Programs

CALIFORNIA is not a participating SARA reciprocity state. A student living in California who is not satisfied with the outcome of institutional compliance and grievance process and resolution was not found may file a student complaint with:

California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
PO Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

If you have questions or need assistance with filing a complaint, please email bppe.enforcement@dca.ca.gov or call (888) 370-7589, press 3 when prompted.

How to File a Complaint with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education.

Complaint Form

Website: www.bppe.ca.gov 

Transfer Credits

Information regarding the transfer of courses and credits to MSU is available at Transfer MSU. To search for courses with MSU equivalencies at another institution, first select the state or country and institution; then enter the course area and course number.

Transportation

Campus Bus System
MSU CATA's Spartan Service operates seven days a week during fall and spring semesters. Eight dedicated free-fare campus routes serve university apartments, residence halls, commuter parking lots and main campus facilities throughout the day and evening, with over 100 bus stops for easy access.

View all routes. Lot Link and Night Owl provide on-demand service late at nigh and early in the morning when campus routes are not running.

Student Parking and Driving Regulations (Vehicle, Motorcycle, Moped and/or Bicycle)
Students who drive a vehicle on campus are subject to the Student Parking & Driving Regulations. The complete Student Parking & Driving Regulations, including a map of campus parking areas, is available online at the Parking Services website.. The regulations should be read carefully as they are strictly enforced. Violation fines are as much as $100. Late and delinquent fees, towing costs and storage fees are additional.

Requirements and fees for registration, hours that students may drive on campus, and the fine schedule are subject to change.

For assistance or clarification, visit the MSU Parking Office at 1120 Red Cedar Road, call (517) 355-8440, or visit the Parking Services website.

Help Getting around Campus at MSU visit Navigation and Campus Maps.

Vaccinations, Immunization, and Other Related Services

Information regarding vaccinations, immunizations, and allergy-related health requirements and guidance is available through University Health and Well-Being. To learn more about immunization and testing services, hours, appointments, cost, and insurance coverage, visit the Allergy and Immunizations and Vaccine Eligibility Information webpages. 

Voter Registration

University students who are U.S. citizens and eligible to vote have two options for voting:

  • Register to vote using your student address.
  • Register to vote using your permanent home address.

Students attending a college or university in Michigan can register to vote in local, state, and federal in Michigan if they choose to do so. New residents can register to vote and must be a resident of their city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 17.5 years old (18 when you vote)
  • A Michigan resident (at the time you register)
  • A resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)

Michigan Voter Registration and Application and Instructions can be found at ED-121: Michigan Voter Registration Application and Change of Address Form.

For additional information on how to register to vote in Michigan or register to vote anywhere in the U.S., visit the MSUvote website.

MSUVOTE
Michigan State University
Student Services Building
556 E. Circle Drive, Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48824
Email: spartansvote@gmail.com

Withdrawal from the University
  • Information on withdrawal from the university