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Michigan State University - Office of the Registrar
Michigan State University Office of the Registrar

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you do not find the information you need below, try visiting the Academic Technology Services Help site, the Technology Resources site, the Financial Aid FAQs, or the Office of Admissions FAQs for Freshmen, Transfer, or International students.
Calendars
Current Students
General
Graduation/Honors
Lifelong Education
Lost and Found
New/Reentering Students
Transcripts

Calendars

Where would I obtain a university calendar of important dates?

The following calendars are available on the web:

Current Students

How do I enroll for classes?

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.

How do I drop a course?

You can drop any course on the enrollment system through the middle of the term of instruction. Click on the section number in the Schedule of Courses 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.

Why can't I enroll?

You may be attempting to enroll before your scheduled time. Check your enrollment appointment in STUINFO.

You may not have an appointment time. Contact the Registrar's Office, 355-3300.

You may have a hold. All current holds can be viewed on STUINFO. Choose Holds on the menu.

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.

How can I find my appointment time to enroll for classes?

All appointment times are available on STUINFO. Choose Enrollment Appointment under the Academic category on the Menu.

How can I change my address with the University?

Address changes may be done:
  • Over the web - Change Address Form.
  • In person in the Registrar's Office, 150 Administration Building.
  • Over the phone at (517) 355-3300 during normal business hours.
How do I change my major?

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 MSU Academics web page for a list of college web sites.

How do I know if I am a full-time undergraduate student?

If you have 12 or more credits, you are full time.

How many credits do I need to be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior?

Class Credits
Freshman 0-27
Sophomore 28-55
Junior 56-87
Senior 88+


I would like a copy of my grade report. How can I get one?

Grade Reports are mailed only to students affected by the Academic Standing of Undergraduate Students (ASUS) early-warning system.

All grades are available in STUINFO. You can print your up-to-date Grade Report from STUINFO 24 hours a day. From the STUINFO main menu, click on "Grade History: Grade Report", select a completed term, then click the "Create Grade Report" button at the bottom of the page.

I have an NGR grade. What does it mean?

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.

How can I learn whether a course I plan to take at another school will transfer back to Michigan State?

Go to Transfer MSU, the online transfer credit equivalency system.

How can I find Degree Navigator?

Degree Navigator is available on the web at degnav.msu.edu.

Where can I get a listing of tuition and fees?

A complete tuition and fees schedule is available on the Controller's Office Student Accounts site.

Where can I find what holds are on my account?

You will not be allowed to enroll or receive a diploma or transcript until all holds are cleared. All holds not cleared will appear in STUINFO. Choose Holds on the Menu.

Can I request a waiver of late enrollment fees?

In extraordinary circumstances, the Registrar's Office may waive late enrollment fees. Submit your request in writing to the Registrar's Office, Room 150, Administration. The late registration fee is administered by Student Accounts, (517) 355-5050.

What are the enrollment requirements for graduate students and teaching assistants or research assistants?

Read the rules governing enrollment requirements in the Graduate Education section of Academic Programs.

How do I withdraw from the University?

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.

How do I change my name on my records? You should bring a legal document, driver's license, voter registration, social security card, passport, or marriage license to 150 Administration. You may also submit your request by mail or fax, (517) 432-3347, including legible copies of your documentation.

Where can I get an I-20?

You can get an I-20 from the Office for International Students and Scholars, 103 International Center, 353-1720.

How does an employer or lender find out my enrollment and/or graduation status?

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.

How can I obtain verification of my current enrollment at MSU?

You can print your own enrollment certification.


General

Where can I obtain campus telephone numbers?

You can search for people and for departments and organizations. The University telephone operators can be reached at (517) 355-1855.

How can I find a campus building?

Go to the campus map.

How can I learn what a building code means?

View the list of buildings and their campus codes.

Where can I get Immunization information?

Visit MSU's Immunization Policy for Students.

What is a CEU?

For information on Continuing Education Units (CEUs), go to the General Procedures and Regulations section of Academic Programs.

What are my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

For information on Privacy Guidelines, read about Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

It is against University policy to provide student names and addresses for commercial purposes.

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?

Visit the Spartan Youth website.

Where can I get answers to other general questions I might have?

The Registrar's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 IT Help Desk at (517) 432-6200, or visit tech.msu.edu/support.


Graduation/Honors

Where can I find the degree requirements for my major?

Consult with your academic advisor regarding requirements for your degree and use Degree Navigator. Guests can also use Degree Navigator to search for degree requirements and navigate through "What if..." scenarios.

I am graduating this year. What should I do to receive my diploma?

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.

When will my degree be awarded?

As soon as all remaining requirements are satisfied.

If I did not graduate as planned, do I need to fill out another application?

Yes. Fill out a new graduation application.

Where is the Dean's Honor List posted?

The list is posted in the MSU Union. The Dean's Honor List may also be viewed on the web.

What are the requirements to make the Dean's Honors List?

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.

How do I get my diploma?

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.

What is the size of my diploma?

Diploma sizes are as follows:
Bachelor, Masters, EDS: 8 1/2" x 11"
PhD, DMA, Medical: 12" x 15"

How can I change the name on my diploma?

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, print and complete a Duplicate/Replacement Diploma Order Form and mail with payment to Michigan State University, Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Rd, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603, or Fax to 517-353-1935.

What are the requirements to graduate with honors?

Go to the Graduation Honors page.


Lifelong Education

How do I enroll for an online course?

Complete a Lifelong Education application.

How will I know if my Lifelong Education Application has been approved?

You will receive an email or hardcopy confirmation from the Registrar's Office.

What do I need to know in case I want to drop my course and/or add another course?

Michigan State University regulations govern enrollment changes. Go to the Late Drops, Adds and Section Changes page for more information.

Who can I talk to about my course or program?

Email the course instructor or program coordinator.

Who is my contact as a Lifelong Education student at MSU?

Renee Irrer, 517-355-3481, irrer@msu.edu.

What online courses or programs can I take for credit and/or non-credit?

Visit the Online and Off-campus Programs for information on online courses and programs.

What does "credit" and "non-credit" mean for high school students?

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

I lost my coat, gloves, . . .

For lost possessions, check the Post Office in the MSU Union at 355-3497.

I can't find my ID card.

First, call the Library 355-2333 to report the loss. Next, call the ID Office in 170 International Center, 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/.


How do I find my PAN number?

Call the Registrar's Office at 517-355-3300.

I need my MSUNet ID and Password.

Go to netid.msu.edu.

I can't find my diploma.

Print and complete a Duplicate/Replacement Diploma Order Form and mail with payment to Michigan State University, Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Rd, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603, or fax to 517-353-1935. The fee is $50 and can be paid for by check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing.


New/Entering Students

How do I apply for admission to Michigan State?

Go to the Office of Admissions site.

I am not an MSU student but I would like to take some courses. How may I enroll?

You may enroll in courses at Michigan State as a Lifelong Education student. The Michigan Uniform Guest Application is not required. Read the rules governing Lifelong Education status.

Do I have to readmit?

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.

Where can I get information about MSU's computer requirement?

For technology resources at MSU, visit http://tech.msu.edu.


Read about: For general technology help and support, contact the IT Help Desk at (517) 432-6200, or visit tech.msu.edu/support.

How do I activate my MSUNet ID and email

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. How do I apply for Lifelong Education?

Fill out the Lifelong Education application. View general information on Lifelong Education.

How can I qualify for In-State tuition?

Read the Out-of-State Tuition Regulations.

Where can I buy textbooks?

Go to Bookstores Serving the MSU Campus.


Transcripts

How do I order a transcript?

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. Transcript requests submitted via the web by 1pm EST are processed the same 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 he/she 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.-5:00 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.

How can I obtain the description of a course I took?

Go to the Archived Course Descriptions.




© 2013 Office of the Registrar, Michigan State University Board of Trustees. East Lansing, MI 48824
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
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© 2013 Office of the Registrar, Michigan State University Board of Trustees. East Lansing, MI 48824
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.