Resources

MPS Program Resources

• Graduate Handbook
• University Forms

Campus Resources

The following are additional campus resources. The graduate school resources cover a range of academic and student life issues. 

Graduate School Resources

• Graduate School Office resources:
  • Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising Guidelines
  • Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • A funding guide to assist students in identifying grants, fellowships, scholarships, and awards.
  • Theses and Dissertation Submissions Guide describing the final procedures for degree completion and manuscript requirements for your dissertation.
  • The Graduate Post: A newsletter published every semester. It highlights activities in graduate education at MSU and elsewhere, publishes opportunities available for professional enrichment through fellowships, scholarships and study programs, and announces important deadline dates and announce upcoming colloquia and symposia.
• The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is dedicated to advancing the well-being and professional interests of graduate and professional students at MSU. They have a rich resources section with information, ranging from health, to funding, to career development.
• The Office of the Registrar is a primary resource for the university course catalogs, procedures, and the academic calendar. 
• A Schedule of Courses and Academic Handbook, published each semester.
• The Writing Center @ MSU offers writing consultation. One-on-one consultations are best for small papers or projects like CVs, abstracts, and cover letters, while peer response writing groups offer help developing drafts of larger projects like research and conference papers and dissertations. The center also has a library with books on resumes, CVs, and cover letters.

Health Resources and Facilities

• Health Insurance: MSU and the Council of Graduate Students have worked together to offer graduate assistants health coverage. The plan includes a full twelve months of coverage if your appointment is at least nine months. There is coverage for limited semester appointments.
• Olin Health Center: The Student Health Service is located in Olin Health Center. In the event of an emergency, no matter what time of day, go directly to Sparrow Hospital or the nearest emergency center.
• The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities: Staff specialists are available to respond to mobility, visual, hearing, alternative learner, and other handicapper populations to enable their involvement in University activities. Other resources are available to students with special needs.
• Employee Assistance Program for graduate student employees.
• Counseling Center for various student services. Students should feel free to contact the Counseling Center for personal concerns and crisis assistance. Professional counseling and psychological services are offered to assist with personal, as well as career concerns. All services are confidential. Initial consultations are free of charge; all services are free to students carrying 7 or more credits. In addition to professional counseling, a self-management laboratory and workshops are offered.
• Health4U has educational and coaching resources.
• MSU has a number of recreational sports and fitness facilities on campus. Membership fees are listed on their website. Students have access to equipment and facilities in the intramural facilities located in the IM-West, IM-East, and IM-Circle. Use of most of the facilities is free to currently enrolled students. 

Career Preparation Services

• Career Services from the College of Natural Science (CNS)  
• MSU Career Services Network
• MSU Career Events
• Graduate Assistant Employment
• BMB's Careers and Graduate School
• Science Careers from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Community Safety and Other Resources

• The unofficial grad student guide: for graduate students made by graduate students, to help you navigate MSU. 
• Office of Institutional Equality: reviews concerns related to discrimination and harassment. OIE staff are available to provide information on policies, connect MSU community members to resources, investigate complaints, and provide training.
• MSU Police
• University Ombudsperson: The office is a confidential, independent, and neutral resource for resolving conflicts at MSU. The Ombudsperson will listen to your concerns, give you information about university policies, help you evaluate the situation, and assist you in making plans to resolve conflicts.
• Free student legal services: including legal matters such as landlord/tenant problems, small claims, traffic offenses, and minor criminal/civil matters. For more specialized needs, students are referred to other area attorneys.

• Short term loan options:

  • $300 short term loans: ASMSU administers a loan program for the Council of Graduate Students. Loans are only available during the first 6 weeks of classes. 
  • $800 short term loans: The Office of Financial Aid administers this loan program. Applications take 2-3 business days to process.