Graduate Student Handbook

1. Requirements and Expectations for Students Pursuing the Ph.D. Degree in Neuroscience
2. Definition of Full Time Status for Doctoral Students
3. Financial Aid
4. Neuroscience Program Policies
5. University Policies
6. University Resources and Services for Graduate Students

“The Neuroscience Program at Michigan State University values diversity in its many forms and is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. The Program is anti-discrimination of any kind. As a community, we seek to advance academic excellence in research, scholarship and teaching, and to promote a climate of civility and respect, where diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences are welcomed and all individuals and groups learn with and from each other. The Program is committed to protecting the rights of all to ensure that each person in our community is safe, empowered, valued, and respected for their contributions to the mission of this program.” 

“Michigan State University and the Neuroscience Program are strongly committed to maintaining a campus environment that is safe for students, faculty and staff. Policies are in place that support this commitment. As a member of the MSU community, you have a right to be free of, and a responsibility to refrain from, any conduct that may be sexual harassment or sexual assault, or any other form of harassment or discrimination including age, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, physical abilities, religion, sexual orientation, as well as other categories.”

The Graduate School (TGS) oversees all aspects of graduate and graduate-professional student education and professional development. The Graduate School's mission is to serve as an advocate for graduate education to the university and beyond, and to enhance the quality of graduate education at MSU in all its diverse dimensions. 

• Information about the many programs and resources TGS offers for current graduate and graduate-professional students, postdocs, faculty advisors, and staff who work with graduate programs can be found at https://grad.msu.edu/.
• The organizational structure of the colleges, divisions, schools, and departments for instructional programs is shown in The Academic Program catalog.
• Information on fees, general procedures and regulations, housing, and facilities is given in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.

It is expected the MSU graduate students will contribute to TGS’s efforts to further knowledge and advance humanity. It is expected that you will thrive as an emerging scholar at MSU through collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. TGS and the Neuroscience Program nurtures and promotes individuals’ varied experiences and ideas, assuring that structures and processes allow full participation by all members of our communities.

Many programs are available through TGS to aid students in their professional development, career planning, mentoring and wellness. Links to some of these programs are provided here.

https://grad.msu.edu/professional-development

https://grad.msu.edu/career-planning

https://grad.msu.edu/partners-in-wellness

 

Finally, MSU is committed to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community characterized by a culture of safety and respect. TGS and the Neuroscience Program value the safety and well-being of all members of our community.  You can learn about resources that are available to support you in your work on and off campus at https://grad.msu.edu/safety-and-security.