Graduate Student Handbook
“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.”
I. Requirements and Expectations for Students Pursuing the Ph.D. Degree in Neuroscience
A. NSP Degree Requirements/Program of Study
B. Global Expectations
C. Laboratory Rotations
D. Courses
a. Course Waiver Policy
b. Required Courses
c. Other Neuroscience-Related Courses and Possible Electives
E. Other Required Activities
a. Teaching Experience
b. Outreach
c. NSP Seminar Series
d. Student Invited Seminar Series
e. Graduate School Workshops
f. Annual Retreat
g. Individual Development Plan (IDP)
h. Graduate Student Career and Professional Development
i. Grad Plan
F. The Comprehensive Examination
a. Standardized Component
b. Specialized Component
G. Dissertation Research
a. Selection of a Major Advisor and Guidance Committee
b. Oral Presentation and Defense of Written Dissertation Research Proposal
c. Oral Presentation and Defense of Written Theses and Dissertations
d. Enrollment Requirements for Defense of Thesis and Dissertation, and Final
Written Document
H. Evaluations
a. First Year
b. Subsequent Years
I. Academic Integrity
J. Rules Concerning the Use of Human Subjects
K. Rules Concerning the Use of Non-Human Vertebrate Animals
L. Rules Concerning the Use of Hazardous Materials
II. Definition of Full Time Status for Master’s and Doctoral Students
III. Financial Aid
A. Stipends for Graduate Assistants and Graduate Fellows
B. Externally Funded Fellowships
C. Office of Financial Aid
D. MSU-GEU Contract for Teaching Assistants
IV. Neuroscience Program Policies
A. Admission
a. General Policy
b. Readmission
B. Registration Procedures
C. Educational Records
D. Dismissal Policy
E. Work Hours and Vacation Time
F. Mail
G. Electronic Mail
H. Student Travel Policy
I. Neuroscience Program Standing Committees
a. Comprehensive Exam Committee
b. Neuroscience Program Advisory Committee
c. Graduate Affairs Committee
d. Graduate Student Council
V. University Policies
A. Academic Policies
a. Academic Standards
b. Time Limits
c. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects or Hazardous Substances
d. Residence
e. Transfer Credits
f. Graduate Assistant Illness/Injury/Pregnancy Leave Policy
g. Work in Absentia
h. Language Requirement
i. Student Travel Policy
j. Foreign Travel
B. Special Information for Foreign Students
a. Minimum Requirements for Admission
b. English Language Proficiency
c. Visa Information
d. Teaching Assignments for International Students
e. Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
f. Health Insurance
g. Orientation
h. Support Services
VI. University Resources and Services for Graduate Students
A. Academic Facilities
a. Student Services
b. Michigan State University Library
c. Tech.msu.edu
d. Bookstore
e. Learning Resources Center
f. Service-Learning Center
g. The Writing Center
h. Career Services Network
i. IT Services Training
B. Health Facilities
a. Health Insurance
b. Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
c. MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
d. Olin Health Center
e. Women's Student Services
f. Intramural Sports Facilities
C. Transportation and Parking on Campus
a. Parking on Campus
b. Buses
c. Bicycles (Rental and Purchase)
D. Graduate Student Organizations
a. Council of Graduate Students (COGS)
b. Faculty-Professional Woman's Association
E. University Guides and References
a. Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities
b. Funding Guide
c. Resource Guide
d. Academic Programs
e. The COGS Graduate Student Handbook
f. Graduate Student Career and Professional Development
g. Spartan Life
h. Class Search
i. The Faculty and Staff Directory
j. Preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations
k. COGS-Newsletter
l. MSU News Bulletin
m. The State News
F. Directory of Frequently Contacted Offices
a. Neuroscience Program
b. College of Natural Science
c. Graduate School
The Graduate School 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 The Graduate School 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 Catolog.
• 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 that MSU graduate students will contribute to The Graduate School’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. The Graduate School and the Neuroscience Program nurture
and promote individuals’ varied experiences and ideas, assuring that structures and
processes allow full participation by all members of our communities.
Many programs are available through The Graduate School 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. The Graduate School 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.
I. Requirements & Expectations for Students Pursuing the Ph.D. Degree in Neuroscience
A. NSP Degree Requirements/Program of Study
YEAR 1:
FALL SEMESTER
Coursework
• NEU 801 – Molecular Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience I (3 credits)
• NEU 802 – Systems and Behavior Neuroscience I (3 credits)
• NEU 807 – Strategies in Neuroscience Research (2 credits)
Research
• NEU 890 – Rotation #1 (1 credits)
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Complete on-line CITI modules and begin attending Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR) workshops1
SPRING SEMESTER
Coursework
• NEU 803 - Molecular Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience II (3 credits)
• NEU 805 – Systems and Behavior Neuroscience II (3 credits)
Research
• NEU 890 – Rotation #2 (1 credits)
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Continue with RCR basic education
SUMMER SEMESTER
Coursework
• PHM 830 – Experimental Design and Data Analysis (3 credits) 2
– OR –
• PSY 815 in the Fall
Research
• Pre-Dissertation research
Other Required Activities
• Choose graduate advisor and laboratory
• Form Ph.D. guidance committee
YEAR 2:
FALL SEMESTER
Coursework
• Elective course #1
• PSY 815 -Quantitative Research Design and Analysis (if PHM 830 was NOT taken in
Summer) 2
• Continuing Quantitative Analysis Requirement 3
Research
• Pre-Dissertation research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Continue with RCR basic education
SPRING SEMESTER
Coursework
• Elective course #2
• Continuing Quantitative Analysis Requirement (if needed)
Research
• Pre-Dissertation research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Complete all basic RCR education for Year 2 (on-line CITI modules and workshops)
SUMMER SEMESTER
Coursework
• Continuing Quantitative Analysis Requirement (if needed)
Research
• Pre-Dissertation research
Other Required Activities
• Comprehensive Exam: Standardized Component (60 days, between May and August)
• Meet with Ph.D. guidance committee
YEAR 3:
FALL SEMESTER
Coursework
• Elective(s), if not taken during year #2
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research 4
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Comprehensive Exam: Oral Component (dissertation proposal seminar/defense)
• Complete 3 hours of annual RCR refresher education
SPRING SEMESTER
Coursework
• Elective(s), if not taken during year #2
Research
• NEU 999 – Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Meet with Ph.D. guidance committee
SUMMER SEMESTER
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Meet with Ph.D. guidance committee (if not completed in Spring)
YEAR 4:
FALL SEMESTER
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Complete 3 hours of annual RCR refresher education
SPRING SEMESTER
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Meet with Ph.D. guidance committee
SUMMER SEMESTER
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Meet with Ph.D. guidance committee (if not completed in Spring)
YEAR 5:
Research
• NEU 999 - Dissertation Research
Other Required Activities
• Attend NSP Seminar Series
• Complete 3 hours of annual RCR refresher education
• Dissertation Defense: Oral Presentation
(1) Students must take one semester of statistics during any semester of the first two
academic years. Either PHM 830 or PSY 815 fulfill this requirement. Both are offered
annually in the fall (PHM 830 is also offered in the summer).
(2) The Neuroscience Program requires students to complete Responsible and Ethical Conduct
of Research (RCR) workshop basic education (on-line CITI modules and workshops) administered
by The Graduate School
(3) The Continuing Quantitative Analysis Requirement consists of completing a total of
three (3) credits from the classes listed in the table below
(4) MSU requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of NEU 999 (Dissertation Research) to earn
a Ph.D. Students can enroll in NEU 999 at any time once a research laboratory has
been chosen. Most students enroll in NEU 999 upon successful completion of the Comprehensive
Exam, typically at the end of Year Two. Students will not be able to register for
more than 36 credits total of NEU 999. Approval from The Graduate School is required
when students reach 34 credits.
Classes meeting requirements for Continuing Quantitative Analysis credit *
*It is important to note that the classes offered differ by content and by semester
and year offered. Students should collaborate with their mentor and the NSP Director
to find the course that will best serve their personal research area and will fit
best in their schedule.
B. Global Expectations
There are multiple requirements a student must fulfill for successful completion of the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Neuroscience. Graduate students must enroll in all the required courses detailed in sections A and D. To continue in “good standing” as a degree candidate, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0, or higher. Students must achieve a grade of not less than 2.0 to earn course credit. In parallel with these courses, graduate students must complete two laboratory rotations during Year One and should select a graduate advisor and research laboratory at the completion of the second rotation. Generally, one rotation is completed in the fall semester and the second rotation is completed during the spring term. The rotations can begin earlier if a student has an Early Start in the summer prior to the beginning of Year One. More than two rotations are possible if a doctoral student desires, but no more than three are allowed without an exception granted by the Neuroscience Executive Committee (NEC). Graduate students are expected to attend the weekly Neuroscience seminar series. Doctoral students must gain teaching experience by serving as a teaching assistant, course assistant, or course instructor for at least one semester, often in Year Two. Graduate students must also regularly read, understand, and have a working knowledge of the relevant scientific literature in their discipline. Graduate students conducting research are expected to perform experiments (or computational work) under the guidance of their graduate advisor with the highest degree of scholarship, leading to high quality publications in peer-reviewed journals, and ultimately completion of the thesis or dissertation. Finally, it is expected that every doctoral student will submit a predoctoral fellowship application (e.g., NIH NRSA, F30 or 31 or equivalent award from NSF, HHMI, etc.) during their time in the program. The expected time-to-degree completion for the Ph.D. is 5 years or less. The expected time to complete the M.S. degree is 2 to 2.5 years. Failure to meet program, college, and university requirements, or to complete the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in a timely manner, will cause the student to be removed from "good standing" status and jeopardize funding.
Graduate students should expect a shift in responsibility during their degree program. In the early months, the primary focus will be on excelling in the course work and laboratory rotations. Students will then transition to spending more time conducting experiments in the laboratory (or computational work), while still participating in other program education activities. Students should anticipate studying intensely for their courses and working diligently in the laboratory, generally at the same time. All the program faculty members have high expectations for graduate students, and students should be prepared to diligently pursue all aspects of their education and training. In contrast to the undergraduate degree, students pursuing the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees should be active participants in the education process, well beyond simply completing coursework. Students must be sharply focused and dedicated during The Graduate School years to earn these advanced degrees.
The MSU document, Guidelines for Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising, outlines the responsibilities of the program, guidance committee, and graduate student in the graduate education and research training process. The document can be found at https://grad.msu.edu/msu-guidelines-graduate-student-mentoring-advising
Advising involves providing basic information about requirements, policies, and procedures
that apply equally to all students. Mentoring involves a deeper relationship and has
a more extensive impact. Effective mentoring relationships are formed through principles
of reciprocity and mutual responsibility. The following, as are outlined in the above
document, are the program responsibilities for effective mentoring:
• Creating explicit expectations and transparent policies that are consistent with
MSU policies (e.g., maintaining an updated and online Graduate Handbook and academic
unit requirements for degree completion).
• Enabling graduate students to make progress in their degree program by ensuring
that required courses and examinations are scheduled in a timely manner.
• Creating opportunities for networking and expanding career and professional development
activities (e.g., organizing speaker series, colloquia, and other formal and informal
events).
• Creating opportunities for graduate students to become familiar with the various
forms of scholarship in neuroscience whether it be with their disciplinary research,
teaching, or outreach.
• Sharing responsibility with guidance committees and faculty advisors for fostering
the professional and career development of graduate students (e.g., providing venues
for honing professional writing and presentation skills, grants writing, and publishing).
• Ensuring that regular progress checks are provided for students (e.g., annual progress
report).
• Providing education in responsible conduct of research and ethical decision making.
• Describing policies and expectations related to student submission of individual
funding applications (e.g., fellowships, foundation awards, etc.)
There are many career opportunities available to graduates of our program. The program
strives to prepare our students for a range of careers. The Ph.D. is a research degree
and success is measured, in large part, on research productivity. A tangible measure
of research productivity is the number of peer-reviewed publications produced during
a student’s dissertation project. It is expected that our graduates will produce a
body of work that yields a minimum of 3 peer-reviewed publications, at least one of
them as lead author. This is an expectation and not a requirement. It is recognized
that multiple factors guide decisions about research publication. These decisions
are made based on discussions between the student and his/her mentor. Publication
strategies should be determined on an individual project basis.
C. Laboratory Rotations
All students must complete at least two laboratory rotations. Rotations are important because they enable a student to sample different research areas and thus to make an informed choice of research topic, laboratory, and advisor. Students and faculty mentors will discuss expectations at the start of the laboratory rotation and both parties will agree to these expectations. The student and supervising faculty member will provide the Program Director with a written evaluation (Laboratory Rotation Evaluation Form) at the end of the rotation period. Students will receive a grade for their performance (NEU 890). Students will be consulted by the Program Director about the quality of the rotation and effectiveness of the mentoring. Specifics of this communication will be confidential between the student and the Program Director. General aspects of the information communicated to the Program Director may be used to provide constructive feedback in order to help the faculty member develop as a more effective mentor.
D. Courses
a. Course Waiver Policy
Requests for waivers of any of the required courses must be submitted in writing to
the NEC (Waiver of Course Request Form). Often these requests are for graduate courses
taken by the student at another institution. Requests for course waivers are not made
directly to the course instructor, but the instructor may provide the NEC with course
information necessary to evaluate the request. The waiver request should include a
well-articulated rationale. The NEC may approve the request, or not, or may offer
an alternative. If a course waiver is approved, the student does not receive credit
hours for the course.
b. Required Courses (28 minimum credits)
NEU 801: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience I (3 credits)
Genetics, molecular and cellular biology of the developing and the adult nervous system.
NEU 802: Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience I (3 credits)
Anatomy and physiology of multicellular neural systems controlling learning and memory,
motivated behaviors, pain, biological rhythms, and psychopathologies.
NEU 803: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience II (3 credits)
Electrical, intra-, and extracellular signaling mechanisms of neurons and glia in
health and disease in the developing and mature nervous system.
NEU 805: Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience II (3 credits)
Anatomy and physiology of multicellular olfactory, visual, auditory, motor, somatosensory
and autonomic nervous systems.
NEU 807: Strategies in Neuroscience Research (2 credits)
This course aims to teach strategies for long-term success as an independent researcher,
starting with success in graduate school. The course begins by discussing how best
to select a graduate advisor and learning about one’s own strengths and interests
by developing an individual development plan. Other topics covered include understanding
laboratory expectations and priorities, what it takes to conduct rigorous and reproducible
research in a responsible manner, how to avoid common missteps in graduate school,
and how to survive and thrive as a graduate student, including hearing the strategies
used by more advanced graduate students, and what it takes to successfully publish
a scientific manuscript. Class time is spent discussing the assigned reading, with
occasional writing assignments during the semester. The final exam is a reflective
essay on what was learned.
NEU 890: Independent Study – Laboratory Rotation (2 credits)
PHM 830: Experimental Design and Data Analysis (3 credits)
Practical application of statistical principles to the design of experiments and analysis
of experimental data in neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, and related biomedical
sciences.
NEU 999: Dissertation Research
A minimum of 24 credits total is required by MSU to earn a Ph.D. Typically, 3-6 credits
are taken per semester after the comprehensive exam has been passed. No more than
36 research credits can be taken.
Electives
Two elective courses must also be completed. These should be determined by the student
in consultation with his/her graduate advisor. A list of possible elective courses
is provided below. These courses are offered by various MSU departments and are not
controlled by the NSP, and therefore they may vary by year and semester. Students
may petition the NEC to have courses not listed here serve as an elective, but they
must do so BEFORE enrolling in the course. Also, some listed courses differ by section or offering,
and the specific class must be approved by the NEC before enrolling (see table below).
Potential Elective Classes
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Semester Offered | Credits |
Requires NEC Approval |
| BMB 801 |
Molecular Biology |
Fall | 3 credits | |
| BMB 802 |
Metabolic Regulation and Signal Transduction |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| BMB 805 |
Protein Structure, Design and Mechanism |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| BMB 825 |
Cell Structure and Function |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| BMB 829 |
Methods of Macromolecules Analytics and Synthesis |
Fall | 1 credit |
YES |
| BMB 961 |
Selected Topics in Biochemistry II |
Fall, Spring | 1-3 credit |
YES |
| BME 891 |
Selected Topics in Biomedical Engineering |
Fall, Spring | 1-4 credit |
YES |
| CEP 909 |
Cognition and Technology |
Fall | 3 credits | |
| CMSE 890 |
Bioinformatics
|
Fall, Spring | 1 credit each | |
| EAD 861 |
Adult Learning |
Fall, Spring | 3 credits |
YES |
| EPI 835/ NOP 835 |
Topics and Methods in Neuroepidemiology |
Fall, Odd Years | 3 credits |
YES |
| JRN 892 |
Special Topics in Journalism (Science Communication) |
Fall, Spring, Summer | 3 credits |
YES |
| MMG 851 |
Immunology |
Fall, Odd Years | 3 credits | |
| NSC 837 |
Confocal Microscopy |
Fall, Spring | 3 credits | |
| PDI 851 |
Advanced General Pathology |
Fall, Even Years | 3 credits |
YES |
| PDI 830/ BLD 830 |
Concepts in Molecular Biology |
Fall, Spring | 2 credits | |
| PHM 801 |
Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology |
Fall | 3 credits | |
| PHM 802 |
Cellular, Molecular and Integrated Systems Pharmacology |
Fall, Spring | 3 credits | |
| PHM 829 |
Neuropharmacology |
Fall | 2 credits | |
| PHM 830 |
Experimental Design and Data Analysis |
Fall, Summer | 3 credits | |
| PSL 813 |
Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease and Targeted Therapies |
Fall, Odd Years | 3 credits | |
| PSL 825/ MMG 825/ BMB 825 |
Cell Structure and Function |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| PSL 828 |
Cellular and Integrative Physiology I |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| PSL 950 |
Topics in Physiology |
Fall, Spring | 1-3 credit |
YES |
| PSY 801 |
Sensation and Perception |
Fall, Odd Years | 3 credits | |
| PSY 802 |
Basic Cognitive Processes |
Spring, Even Years | 3 credits | |
| PSY 803 |
Higher Order Cognitive Processes |
Spring, Odd Years | 3 credits | |
| PSY 809 |
Developmental Psychobiology |
Fall, Odd Years | 3 credits | |
| PSY 853 |
Behavior Disorders |
Fall | 3 credits | |
| PSY 867 |
Nature and Practice of Cognitive Sciences |
Spring | 3 credits | |
| PSY 926 |
Scientific and Professional Ethics |
Spring, Odd Years | 3 credits |
YES |
| PSY 930 |
Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience |
Spring, Even Years | 3 credits |
YES |
| PSY 992 |
Seminar in Psychology |
Fall, Spring | 3 credits |
YES |
| STT 843 |
Multivariate analysis |
Spring, Even Years | 3 credits |
E. Other Required Activities
a. Teaching Experience
In addition to research excellence, teaching experience is an important element of
graduate education that hones communication skills and prepares a student for both
the professoriate and non-academic career paths. One semester of mentored teaching
experience is required for the Ph.D. degree. Normally, the teaching requirement will
be fulfilled in Year Two. A student meets this requirement by serving as a Graduate
Teaching Assistant (TA), course assistant, or course instructor, though other options
are available, particularly for students not working in labs on the East Lansing campus.
All TAs are strongly encouraged to participate in the orientation programs well as some additional pedagogy workshops to prepare them to take on their respective
roles. These programs are offered in August each year by The Graduate School prior
to the start of the fall semester. There is no teaching requirement for students seeking
the M.S. degree (Plan A or B).
The TA is a university-defined position that requires 12-15 hours per week of time and effort. Students receive their usual stipend, tuition, and fee waiver (up to 9 credits), and health insurance support. TAs contribute to teaching courses and laboratories, most often in the Neuroscience undergraduate curriculum housed in the MSU Physiology Department. A student interested in this extensive teaching experience should discuss this opportunity with his/her graduate advisor and the course instructor prior to making a commitment. When a student has completed their teaching requirement, he/she shall make sure an evaluation (Teaching Experience Form) has been completed and added to his/her file. The NSP has a limited number of teaching positions available in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. A call will go out to all students in the program from the Academic Program Coordinator well before the start of each semester announcing TA opportunities prior to the start of the academic year. This completed form should be submitted to the Program Director and the Academic Program Coordinator.
Another mechanism available to a student to fulfill the teaching requirement is the Certificate in College Teaching (CCT). This program is an initiative of The Graduate School, in partnership with MSU colleges, which helps graduate students and postdocs organize, develop, and document their teaching experiences. Through a series of professional development activities (workshops or seminars, coursework in disciplinary teaching methods, a mentored teaching project) participants will build and consolidate their preparation for college and university teaching. The program culminates in an e-portfolio that will help students prepare for academic job interviews and plan for their professional development as early career faculty. For graduate students, completion of the CCT will be recognized by a Certification notation on the MSU transcript.
NSP students in the dual degree program in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO/PhD),
College of Human Medicine (MD/PhD) or College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/PhD) are
exempt from the teaching experience requirement.
b. Outreach
As scientific communication is a key aspect of virtually any science career, the NSP
requires that all students develop outreach experience. This typically comes through
participation annually in various outreach activities, such as Brain Awareness Week,
school visits, and the MSU Science Fair. These outreach activities occur in both East
Lansing and Grand Rapids. Doctoral students in their fifth year of study are exempted
from this requirement. During the spring semester, the Outreach Committee will contact
students regarding opportunities for participation. The NSP outreach efforts are generally
focused around activities to engage public audiences in learning about neuroscience
and to translate health and science research implications to these audiences.
MSU offers a Graduate Certification in Community Engagement through an initiative of University Outreach and Engagement and The Graduate School. The Certification is designed to help graduate and professional
students develop systemic, respectful, and scholarly approaches to their community
engaged work. A student with interests in the following areas should apply: (i) employing
community-based research methods and techniques to address society's problems; (ii)
providing expertise and assistance to community-based, non-profit organizations and
agencies; (iii) involving students in community-based research, service learning,
or alternative spring breaks; (iv) developing activities or curricula to engage general
public audiences in learning; (v) creating learning experiences and continuing education
programs for working professionals; and (vi) translating health and scientific research
findings for general public audiences. Information about the program can be found
at https://gradcert.engage.msu.edu/.
c. NSP Seminar Series
Graduate student attendance is mandatory at the weekly program seminar. Presently,
seminars are scheduled for Monday afternoons from 12-1 pm. The seminar series provides
an opportunity for learning about new science and networking with faculty outside
of MSU. Failure to regularly attend the seminar series could jeopardize a doctoral
student’s annual travel allowance to attend meetings and conferences.
d. Student Invited Seminar Series
Throughout the academic year, 3-4 seminar dates are reserved for a student-initiated
seminar series and other special student-invited speakers. Program students will have
an opportunity to schedule these seminars in the early summer prior to the call for
seminar invitations distributed to the program faculty at large. Students should work
with their mentors to identify possible invitees, then contact the Academic Program
Coordinator as far in advance as possible to schedule these seminars.
The Academic Program Coordinator will assist students with scheduling travel and accommodations
as well as coordinating the financial aspects of the seminar speaker’s visit and arranging
the seminar and student lunch with the speaker. Students will collaborate with their
mentor to develop the seminar speaker’s visit itinerary. This includes arranging for
other meals, meetings with students and faculty, and transportation around campus
during the visit. In addition to meetings with program faculty, students are encouraged
to arrange student-specific activities with the speaker that could include group discussions
of career and professional development, and other topics relevant to graduate education.
e. Graduate School Workshops: Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR)
Education in responsible conduct of research and research ethics is critical for ensuring
and improving the integrity of research, promoting good behavior and quality research
conduct, and making graduate students aware of norms and standards in research practice.
All doctoral students are required to complete basic and annual refresher RCR education. The basic education program involves online CITI modules and in-person workshops offered by The Graduate School, the program, or other units on campus. The specific requirements and documentation procedures are given below.
Basic Education Program
(Ph.D. and M.S. Plan A Students: Years One and Two)
|
CITI Online Modules (First Semester, Year One)
Additional CITI Modules (Year Two)
Discussion-Based Workshops
|
All graduate and graduate-professional students must complete a minimum of 6 hours of discussion-based education prior to receiving their degrees. The basic education requirements must be completed by the end of the spring semester of Year Two, before the Standardized component of the Comprehensive Exam is administered. These hours can be completed in a variety of ways including as part of a course, taking workshops such as those provided by The Graduate School or more personalized training provided by the student’s research advisor.
Register for the CITI modules at https://ora.msu.edu/train/programs/citi.html
Register for the Discussion-Based Workshops at https://grad.msu.edu/rcr
Completion and documentation through Office of Regulatory Affairs (ABILITY) at https://ora.msu.edu/train/
Annual Supplemental Education Program
(Ph.D. Students: Years Three and Beyond)
Doctoral students are required to complete 3 hours of annual refresher education in
RCR. This can be fulfilled in multiple ways including as part of a course, taking
additional The Graduate School workshops (no repeats allowed), additional CITI modules
and or more personalized training provided by the student’s graduate advisor.
f. Annual NSP Retreat and Cross Campus Research Day (CCRD)
The NSP holds an annual retreat each fall for faculty, postdocs, and graduate students
as well as an annual Cross Campus Research Day (CCRD) each spring. These gatherings
provides an opportunity for communication and collegiality among all members of the
program. Each consists of a full day, typically held at an off-campus venue, and allows
members to network, discuss policies and strategic plans, and to foster collaborative
relationships. These activities are not only about updating one another and communicating
about research, but also include lunch and late-afternoon social hour to promote social
interactions between members. The sites are often in either East Lansing or Grand
Rapids or at a location convenient to both campuses.
g. Individual Development Plan (IDP)
All graduate students are required to prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP) (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org). The IDP provides students with planning and self-assessment tools that are helpful
for one’s scientific and professional development. Students initiate their IDP during
NEU 807 (Strategies in Neuroscience Research). Students typically choose their graduate
advisor by the end of the spring semester of Year One. After this point, the faculty
mentor assumes responsibility for working with the student in the IDP. There are two
initial meetings necessary for generating the IDP: (i) an initial research development
meeting and (ii) a professional development meeting. (NSP does not use an IDP Liaison).
Research Development Meeting
Suggested topics for discussion in this meeting include:
- Research Plans: Year in training, coursework progress, dissertation advisory committee members, work schedule issues, publication strategy, fellowship application submission details and plan, scientific conference attendance, and RCRSCA education status.
- Methodology: Identification of proficiency in specific techniques, technique improvement or opportunities to gain experience new techniques. Need for a specific collaborator to provide training/expertise in a specific methodology.
- Literature Knowledge: Identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. Identify a collaborator who would be helpful in a needed knowledge area.
Professional Development Meeting
The student is required to complete the Scientific Skills, Interests and Values assessments
provided at Science Careers. The outcome of these assessments will provide feedback about the potential fit of
the student for specific career paths or identification of areas that need further
development for the career path selected by the student. These issues are discussed
during the professional development meeting and a plan should be developed to help
the student reach his/her goals.
In the years following, the graduate advisor and student will meet at least annually
to discuss progress toward the research and professional development goals and to
updating the IDP plan.
h. Graduate Student Career and Professional Development
The Graduate School offers multiple programs for student career and professional development,
for instance, FAST: Future Academic Scholars in Teaching. The Graduate School and the MSU Center for the Integration of Research Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) Steering
Committee co-sponsor a teaching and learning professional development opportunity for graduate
students. The primary goals of the FAST Fellowship Program are to provide opportunities
for a diverse group of graduate students to have mentored teaching experiences and
to gain familiarity with materials on teaching and assessment techniques. Information
about this program can be found at https://grad.msu.edu/fast.
MSU BEST is a professional development program for postdocs and doctoral students in the biomedical
science and engineering fields. Originally funded by the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), the program helps students better understand the possible career landscape
for biomedical Ph.D.’s, and develop the competencies and experiences needed to be
competitive for jobs in areas such as law, regulatory affairs, government agencies,
private industry, entrepreneurship, and many others. The program includes one year
of professional development workshops, seminars, panel discussions around careers,
networking sessions, and other experiences to support career exploration. This competitive
program also requires two “externships,” or short-term “internship” experiences to
provide trainees with work experiences and exposure to experience expanded career
opportunities. Information about this program can be found at http://best.msu.edu/.
i. Grad Plan
Grad Plan is the web-interactive system for graduate students to create their degree
plans and document other graduate program requirements. Students can link to the log-in
page at students.msu.edu. Creating an M.S. or Ph.D. plan involves five steps: (1) designating committee chair
and members, (2) selecting graduate program courses, (3) answering questions about
one’s thesis or dissertation research, (4) documenting other program requirements,
and (5) reviewing the plan and saving it for later changes. The approved degree plan
serves as an official agreement between a student and his/her graduate advisory committee,
NSP, college, and MSU. It can be modified over time with necessary approvals. Refer
to the Planning a Doctoral Program and Appointment of a Guidance Committee section
in the Academic Programs catalog (http://www.reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Text.asp?Section=111#s394) for more information.
A graduate student should start the process of creating a degree plan in Year One once a graduate advisor has been selected. Information needed to create a degree plan includes: (i) committee members' names or MSU NetIDs (MSU faculty or others as approved, refer to Ph.D. Degree Plan Process), (ii) codes for planned courses, (iii) comprehensive exam areas for doctoral students, (iv) tentative thesis or dissertation topic, and (v) other specific requirements for the NSP, college, and MSU.
Grad Plan affords graduate students the ability to track their progress meeting university requirements. Students are responsible for entering their graduate degree plan, applying for graduation, and entering their thesis or dissertation title. The degree plan is signed by the student’s guidance committee members, Program Director, and college representative.
The Academic Program Coordinator will be responsible for entering some data, such as information about comprehensive exams for doctoral students, thesis, or dissertation defense date, and signing off on the Grad Plan graduate audit. The comprehensive exam date will be entered upon successful defense of the dissertation proposal (specialized component of the comprehensive exam), which should be completed within one year of passing the standardized component of the comprehensive exam (May each year). Notification of the successful completion of the specialized component of the comprehensive exam will come from the NEC Representative of the examination committee in writing using the Neuroscience Program Report of Examination Committee. The NEC Representative shall send the report (via email) to the Academic Program Coordinator and Program Director indicating the grade (Pass/Fail) and providing a summary of the outcome of the exam. A copy of this report will also be provided to the student and the student’s graduate advisor.
When a student defends his/her thesis or dissertation, it is the responsibility of the graduate advisor (who Chairs the examination committee) to notify the Academic Program Coordinator and Program Director of the results of the defense. A copy of the completed Neuroscience Program Report of Examination Committee is sent to the Academic Program Coordinator and the Program Director by the student’s advisor. The advisor will be acting on behalf of the guidance committee in the notification. Without this notification, in writing, the Academic Program Coordinator cannot sign off on the Grad Audit. Final acceptance of the dissertation by The Graduate School and the final degree certification by the program, college, and Office of the Registrar are all set up for final approval and stored electronically in Grad Plan. The Graduate School notifies the Academic Program Coordinator when the students’ thesis or dissertation is accepted and delivered to ProQuest. Upon receiving both notifications, the Academic Program Coordinator will approve the final Grad Audit. The Graduate School will certify the acceptance of each thesis or dissertation final format using Grad Audit.
F. The Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive exam for the Ph.D. will consist of two components: 1) Standardized, and 2) Specialized.
a. Standardized Component of the Exam
Purpose: The purpose of the Standard portion of the NSP Qualifying Exam is to ensure that each
graduate student has the appropriate knowledge base, command of the literature, analytical
abilities, and organizational and writing skills to justify further pursuit of a PhD
dissertation. In addition, this portion of Qualifying can help identify areas/skills
in which the student excels and those in which the student needs further extensive
training. The Standard portion of the Qualifying Exam must be successfully completed
before moving on to the Specialized portion of the exam. The Standard portion of the
Qualifying Exam is to be completed between May and August at the end of the student’s
second academic year.
Overall Concept: Students will independently produce an original written document that reviews the concepts and literature directly relevant to their dissertation research. However, this method may not sufficiently challenge their knowledge outside of their singular lab expertise, so their committee also will identify an additional, tangential topic to address in their document that explores an area of neuroscience outside of their lab’s expertise. Students are to work alone on this document (with the exception of the editing option described below), and it should stand alone as an example of the student’s knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skill. In addition, some portion of this document could provide the foundation for a review publication written with the dissertation advisor and/or others or could serve as part(s) of the introduction chapter to the student’s written dissertation.
Exam Content: Content required for student exams will be identified in advance by their dissertation advisor, dissertation committee, and an appointed representative of the NSP NEC (see process below). Areas that will be considered when the topic is refined by the committee and NEC are:
1) Central and/or peripheral nervous system function and/or dysfunction
2) Specific systems neurochemistry and behavioral outcomes
3) The relevant functions of neurons and glial cell types in regulating these outcomes
4) Genes and/or proteins critical for these mechanistic processes
5) Sex as a biological variable
6) The relationship of the project to human health and/or behavior
7) Major existing knowledge gaps and where the field needs to go (this may lead to the some of the dissertation questions or hypotheses, but this document should not detail the dissertation proposal)
Each student’s advisor, dissertation committee, and NEC representative (see below) may identify additional or more refined subtopics.
Exam Timing and Details:
The written document shall be 5,000-8,000 words in length (i.e., approximately 10-15 pages of single-spaced text), not including citations, and may contain data/figures/models necessary to justify
the scientific premise of the dissertation. Figures should make up no more than two
total pages of space and should consist of original illustrations by the student or
a very few essential pieces of published data or figures needed to illustrate critical
points. The document should include extensive citations of the relevant literature
with both seminal studies and the latest advances represented. Students will be provided
with specific exam details two months prior to the deadline and will be expected to
work on the document during that two-month period. Some decrease in lab work is expected
during this time, but the purpose of this exam structure is to allow students to work
on the exam at their own pace while continuing to make progress in the lab and attend
normal lab and graduate program meetings, seminars, etc.
Process:
Step 1: All NSP students taking the exam in a given year are identified, as well as their dissertation advisors and dissertation committees.
Step 2: An NEC representative communicates with the dissertation advisor to identify appropriate subtopics for the exam.
Step 3: Advisor- and NEC representative-suggested subtopics are communicated to the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee, NEC representative, and advisor identify an additional “tangential” subtopic for the student’s exam. Final exam topics are approved by the dissertation committee and NEC representative. All of this information is put in the NSP Qualifying Exam Form by the Advisor and given to the NEC.
Step 4: NEC meets to ensure that topics are appropriate and of consistent depth and breadth between students
Step 5: NSP Qualifying Exam Form, including Instructions and Rubric, are sent to the student, who has 60 days to complete the document
Step 6: Dissertation committee and NEC representative evaluate the student’s exam
Rubric Concepts:
The dissertation committee and NEC representative will evaluate the document. They
will determine whether the document meets appropriate expectations in the following
areas:
1) All identified subtopics are covered in sufficient detail and with sufficient support from the literature. It is expected that the student will cite appropriate literature that includes both seminal findings and up-to-date work relating to the state of the field.
2) Evidence of “synthesis” of topics, such that the topics are related to each other and make up a comprehensive view of the subject area that provides sufficient scientific premise to justify pursuing a dissertation in the topic area.
3) Writing is polished and professional. This includes general cohesion and clear organization of the document as well as correct syntax, grammar, and citations.
The dissertation committee and NEC representative will provide an evaluation of Pass, Remediate, or Fail. They must agree that the document satisfies all of these expectations in order for the student to Pass. If they feel that the document falls far short of expectations and cannot be easily improved, the student Fails. If the Thesis Committee and NEC Representative feel that the document is very close to meeting expectations but falls short, then they may provide specific feedback on the aspects of the document that are missing or deficient, and the student is given an additional 30 days to Remediate. If the revised document meets all expectations, the student Passes; if not, the student Fails. Students who fail the Standard portion of the exam must retake the exam at sometime within the following twelve months, as agreed upon by the student, advisor, dissertation committee, and NEC. During the time between failing and retaking the exam, the Dissertation Advisor is responsible for preparing the student to retake the exam. The Advisor may work with the Dissertation Committee and NEC to determine areas in which the student should focus their preparation and to determine a new tangential topic for the student to incorporate into the second exam document. Failure of the second exam will result in dismissal from the program. The student may not move on to the Specialized portion of the Qualifying Exam until they have passed the Standard portion.
Optional Editing Assistance:
Because it is critical that the written document be clear and polished in order for
the student’s scientific knowledge to be evaluated appropriately, and because there
may be some variability in the training each student has received in English writing
prior to joining the MSU NSP, the students have the option to use the editing services
offered by the MSU Writing Center to help with the syntax, grammar, and general English
correctness of their document. This is the ONLY editing service students may use,
and they may NOT receive editing or any other help from any other source, including
friends, coworkers, mentors, family, or anyone who does not work for the MSU Writing
Center. Students who choose to use this option must inform their NEC representative
and Committee that they are exercising the option. They can then contact the Writing
Center at https://writing.msu.edu/ to schedule a consultation. The students may receive editing consultation and advice
from a Consultant, but they may not participate in Write-Ins or Writing Groups. They
may receive consultation only on language and style and may receive no advice or help
with scientific content. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Writing
Center at the BEGINNING of the writing process and work with the Center to ensure
that they receive consultations/advice/editing in time to turn in their completed
document by the 60-day deadline set by their Committee. Waiting for Writing Center
consultation is not a valid excuse to extend the deadline.
b. Specialized Component of the Exam
Students will develop a dissertation research plan in consultation with their graduate
advisor and dissertation guidance committee. A written dissertation proposal will
be prepared in the format of the research plan portion of a National Research Service
Award (NRSA) application; this format may be expanded or modified as requested by
the student's guidance committee. Once the guidance committee has reached consensus
on the research plan and dissertation proposal, the student will take the specialized
component of the comprehensive exam. This will consist of an oral exam based on, but
not limited to, the student's defense of the research proposal. A student must complete the specialized component of the comprehensive exam no later
than 12 months after passing the standardized component. Failure to do so without good reason will make the student ineligible to receive NSP
funding for travel to scientific conferences until such time as the student has passed
the specialized component. Under extenuating circumstances, a student can petition the NEC for a 6-month extension
of this deadline. The Academic Program Coordinator will provide a reminder to students
and their mentors about this deadline immediately after the student has passed the
standardized component.
Also, as part of the exam, students must give a public seminar on the dissertation proposal to the Neuroscience Program during the regularly scheduled seminar series, or at an alternative day/slash time if slots compatible with committee availability cannot be found. Students are encouraged to schedule their oral examination and seminar on the same day, but it is recognized that scheduling conflicts may preclude this from happening in some cases. Students will have an opportunity to schedule their seminar before requests for speakers are sent out to the program at large. Students planning to present their seminar and proposal defense during the fall term should schedule with the Academic Program Coordinator prior to the first week in June to schedule their seminar. Students planning to present their seminar and proposal defense during the spring term should contact the Academic Program Coordinator prior to the first week in October.
The public seminar will not be graded or formally part of the comprehensive exam.
The presentation should include background information, purpose, hypotheses, methods,
preliminary results or expected results, and possible significance. During the oral
examination, the Examination Committee may inquire into any aspect of the presentation
to determine the depth of understanding the student has of his/her project. The exam
will evaluate the student's knowledge related to his/her dissertation research project,
his/her ability to defend the experimental approach and design, and his/her ability
to place the research into a broader neuroscience context. The Examination Committee
will consist of the members of the student's Guidance Committee, excluding the graduate
advisor, and including an NEC Representative. The NEC Representative will serve as
both an examiner and chair/moderator of the examination. The moderator is also responsible
for recording any concerns of the committee and for communicating these concerns and
constructive feedback to the student and student's graduate advisor. The student's graduate advisor may be present at the oral exam, but he/she cannot
participate in the exam and is restricted to being a silent observer. The graduate
advisor can take notes to be used as feedback for the student on his/her performance
during the exam. Each committee member will assign a passing or failing grade for the oral defense
of the written proposal. If more than one committee member assigns a failing grade,
then the student fails the oral exam. At the conclusion of this examination, the Examination
Committee will recommend: (a) passing of the specialized examination and advancement
to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, or (b) further work and subsequent repeat of the
oral examination (may be repeated once within six months of the first attempt; if
failed a second time, the student will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program).
G. Thesis and Dissertation Research
a. Selection of the Graduate Advisor and Guidance Committee
Generally, by the end of the second semester of Year One, the student will request
one training faculty member within the Neuroscience Program to serve as his/her graduate
advisor for dissertation research. Factors to consider in selection of the major professor
are (1) the research area and its exceptional interest to the student, (2) space in
the laboratory and financial support, and (3) personal compatibility with his/her
potential research mentor. The graduate advisor will serve as the student's academic advisor, thesis, or doctoral
dissertation research advisor, and as the Chairperson of the doctoral student's Guidance
Committee, not the Chairperson of the Examination Committee for the Specialized Component
of the Comprehensive Examination. A change in graduate advisor is possible but requires three-way discussions between
the graduate student, Program Director, and members of the Guidance Committee. Students
should consult the Program Director when considering such a change.
The Guidance Committee should consist of at least four MSU-appointed, tenured/tenure-system faculty. The Committee must include, in addition to the graduate advisor who serves as Chair of the Guidance Committee, two other members of the NSP. The fourth required member of the Guidance Committee may be, but is not required to be, a faculty member within the NSP. The Guidance Committee may consist of more than four members if the graduate advisor and student think that this would be beneficial. Additional members of the committee may be researchers with appropriate expertise and interest who have appointments at other academic institutions or within industrial research. Please consult the information about non-regular faculty on committees on The Graduate School website regarding external committee members.
Changes in the members of the Guidance Committee are possible but must first be discussed with the graduate advisor and then the Program Director. All changes must be reported in writing to the Academic Program Coordinator, the Office of the Dean (College of Natural Science), and each member of the Guidance Committee. Consult the Academic Program Coordinator for the form that documents a change of Guidance Committee membership.
Students are required to form their dissertation guidance committee and have their first committee meeting no later than December 31st of their 2nd year in the program. Students will need to submit a committee report form to document that the meeting occurred, and the topics discussed. The form to be completed is the Annual Student Guidance Committee Report. The form will list committee members in attendance and a summary of the outcome of the meeting. The form should be sent to the Academic Program Coordinator who will maintain records of student committee meetings. Students not fulfilling this requirement will be ineligible to receive travel support from the NSP until this requirement is met. Students are required to meet with their committee at least once per year thereafter and to provide a committee meeting report to the Academic Program Coordinator after each meeting. FIGURE OUT HOW TO LINK.
The Guidance Committee will oversee the student's coursework, advise the student concerning dissertation research, and conduct the Standardized and Specialized Qualification Exams and the thesis defense. Shortly after selecting this Committee, the student, with the help of his/her graduate advisor, will prepare a program of coursework (including the core courses already taken, as well as additional electives based on the needs and interests of each student) and a dissertation research proposal. The student will report the courses and electives in Grad Plan under the Ph.D. degree plan of courses. The degree plan of courses will be routed to the Guidance Committee for approval via the forms tracking utility. At all times during a student's course of study and research, members of the Guidance Committee will be available for consultation and advice. As mentioned, there should be at least one meeting every year between the student and his/her Guidance Committee to discuss progress. Any changes to the initial Annual Guidance Committee Report will be documented in writing and placed in the student's NSP file.
If a graduate advisor becomes unable to continue in this capacity, student options depend on where one is in their graduate studies. If a student is near the beginning of their program of study, it probably makes sense to simply find another advisor. If a student is close to finishing, he/she should contact the Program Director to explore possible arrangements. It is the student's responsibility to identify a new advisor with matching interest and expertise. The student may be able to find an advisor who can supervise the student's dissertation topic, or the student may need to adjust her/his dissertation research plans to match within a new advisor's expertise and interests.
If a student is unable to continue to collaborate with a graduate advisor because of difficulties in the relationship, he/she should contact the Program Director for assistance and guidance.
In any of the scenarios listed above, students will have to file an amendment to the Annual Guidance Committee Report form indicating the changes being made.
b. Oral Presentation and Defense of the Written Dissertation Research Proposal
The overall design, scope, and specific methodologies must be discussed with the graduate
advisor, and he/she will provide feedback on drafts of the proposal. However, it must
be primarily the work of the student. The proposal will be written essentially like
a Research Plan for an NIH grant application and will be distributed to the other
members of the Guidance Committee at least two weeks prior to the oral presentation (Specialized Component of Comprehensive Examination). This
proposal will be presented as an NSP Seminar and defended before the Examination Committee.
The purpose of the written proposal is to provide a framework guiding the student's
dissertation research project. The proposed studies must be defensible by the student
and this defense will based on the student's knowledge of the relevant peer-reviewed
literature and any preliminary data generated in the early stages of the research
project. It is understood that the scope of the proposed studies can be modified based
on the outcomes of studies conducted during the student’s project and the proposal
does not constitute a contract for work to be done in order to complete the Ph.D.
However, any changes in scope or direction of the research can be made only after
consultation with the student's Guidance Committee.
The oral defense of the Dissertation Proposal will fulfill the University requirements for an oral comprehensive examination (Specialized Component of Comprehensive Examination). Results of the defense are to be recorded using the Neuroscience Program Report of Examination Committee and submitted to the Program Director and Academic Program Coordinator for recording in Grad Plan.
The oral defense of the proposal, not the public seminar, constitutes the Specialized Component of the Comprehensive Examination.
c. Oral Presentation and Defense of Written Thesis or Dissertation
For the M.S. (Plan A) and Ph.D. degrees, students must successfully complete a scholarly
research project, prepare a written thesis or dissertation based upon this research,
and defend this written thesis or dissertation in an oral examination conducted by
the student's Guidance Committee. Students taking the examination must previously have submitted an application for
the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Applications for graduation at Michigan State University
must be filed by the first week of the semester the student expects to complete requirements.
Students can apply for graduation by filling out the Graduation Application, available
at student.msu.edu, and selecting the Academic Progress tile and clicking the "Apply for Graduation"
link in the left-hand navigation under the Graduation heading. The written dissertation derived from the student's research must be organized, typed,
duplicated, and bound according to the regulations described in the "Formatting Guide for Doctoral Dissertations" on The Graduate School website. The graduate student is required to bear the expense
associated with preparation of the dissertation, although arrangements may be made
with the graduate advisor to have diagrams or charts prepared and charged to the appropriate
research budget.
A student must submit his/her unbound thesis or dissertation to members of his/her Guidance Committee at least two weeks prior to the defense date. The student will then give a public seminar on his/her research project, preferably as part of the NSP Seminar Series. This seminar presentation should include background information, purpose, hypotheses, methods, results, and interpretation of the results and their possible significance. The student must successfully pass an oral examination, conducted by the student's Guidance Committee following the research presentation. This defense will involve an explanation and defense of the thesis or dissertation and knowledge of related scientific areas. When the Guidance Committee has reviewed and approved the thesis or dissertation and the student has passed the oral examination in its defense, the student should incorporate into the thesis or dissertation any recommended changes before having it permanently bound. Failure to meet these criteria will delay the awarding of the degree.
The Program requires an electronic copy of the thesis or dissertation in Final Form prior to certifying to The Graduate School that the student has completed the requirements for his/her degree. This can be emailed to the Academic Program Coordinator. The Chair of the Guidance Committee will use the Neuroscience Program Report of Exam Committee to report the decision of the defense to the Program Director and Academic Program Coordinator. The Academic Program Coordinator will sign off on the degree in Grad Plan upon notification.
The new publishing agreement for thesis/dissertations with ProQuest now provides an
"Open Access Publishing Option" as an alternative to the traditional publishing option
available to students. The Open Access option gives ProQuest authorization to make
the electronic version of the document accessible to all via the internet, including
the selling of the document by commercial retailers and accessibility to the work
via search engines. A student selecting the Open Access option will not be eligible
to receive royalties. The pros and cons of selecting this new option differ significantly
across disciplines. For more information visit Proquest Open Access FAQ.
d. Enrollment Requirements for Defense of the Thesis/Dissertation and Final Written Document
All students MUST be registered for at least 1 credit during the semester in which
they complete their thesis or dissertation defense even in the summer semester. The
Program can request a waiver of this requirement. These requests are to be directed
to The Graduate School and must be endorsed by NSP and the College of Natural Science.
H. Evaluations
a. First Year
Faculty members supervising a student laboratory rotation will provide the Program
Director with a written evaluation (Laboratory Rotation Evaluation Form) and numerical grade for the student at the end of the rotation period. The Program
Director will correspond with each student about their rotation experience after receiving
the evaluation form. Additionally, students will submit an Annual Student Performance Evaluation and a summary of the RCRSCA education requirements completed to date. Both documents
will be due in or around July of each year. The Program Director will then schedule
a 30-min interview with the students to review their progress over the past year and
goals for the upcoming year.
b. Subsequent Years
Each student will receive a written evaluation from the Program Director based on
their Annual Student Performance Evaluation and an interview. Additionally, students
should expect to discuss their annual written evaluation with their graduate advisor.
The Annual Student Performance Evaluation form must be completed by the student and
his/her graduate advisor and submitted to the Program Director prior to the student's interview with the Program Director. If the student has a dissenting
opinion, he/she may prepare a written dissent that will be discussed with the Program
Director and his/her graduate advisor and placed in the student's NSP file.
In addition, ALL graduate students must hold at least one meeting each year with their guidance committee. The Annual Guidance Committee Report should be used by the guidance committees to summarize the outcomes of the meeting.
This form will be completed by the Chairperson of the guidance committee and submitted
to the Program Director and Academic Program Coordinator. The meeting does not need
to be longer than 30-60 min. A 10-min research overview by the student can be given
and plans discussed. The students can schedule and hold their guidance committee meeting
any time during the year. Please note that if a student plans on applying for a CNS
Dissertation Continuation or Completion Fellowship in any year, he/she must hold a
guidance committee meeting prior to the fellowship due date, which is currently June
or July each year. The guidance committee meetings are beneficial to both the students
and the committee members by keeping committee members up to date on the student’s
research and other program progress and allowing them to provide their expertise to
help solve problems and challenges that arise during the student’s research project
and other aspects of the program.
I. Academic Integrity
The related enterprises of scholarship and research are built upon honesty and integrity. Without these, science could not progress or even survive as a method of inquiry. When becoming a graduate student in the Neuroscience Program, one makes an implicit promise to his/her classmates, faculty, profession, and the public to conduct oneself in a scrupulously honest, respectful, and ethical manner. If one fails to keep this promise, the consequences for all are serious.
Academic integrity stands for many things. Obviously, it means one does not cheat on tests and exams, one does not plagiarize papers or other written documents, and one does not falsify data or misrepresent research findings. Failure to follow these guidelines will lead to dire consequences for those involved. However, academic integrity is more than just a set of rules - it is a way of life and a state of mind. It means that one must always consider the consequence(s) of a choice and how it impacts others. Academic dishonesty is not simply a personal failure. It is a failure of the mentoring system and the evaluation system, and it tarnishes us all.
Graduate students at MSU are governed by a code of ethics (Integrity of Scholarship and Grades, Guidelines for Integrity in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities, and Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships). Please familiarize yourself with this code. It is also appropriate for you to have ongoing discussions with your graduate advisor about integrity issues as they become relevant. Many situations are ambiguous. Actions can often be interpreted in several ways. Many behaviors can generate disagreements among well-meaning people. Often the only way to resolve these ambiguities is conversation and discussion with colleagues.
If a student has questions about ethical concerns, he/she should start by initiating
a conversation with their graduate advisor. If this is not possible, there are other
resources in the Neuroscience Program and the University to help resolve these issues.
The Program Director should be consulted if one is unable to resolve problems with
his/her graduate advisor. More serious issues can be brought to the attention of the
University’s Research Integrity Officer (RIO). Procedures for consulting the RIO or
reporting questionable or improper research practices can be found at this website:
https://rio.msu.edu/.
J. Ethical Violations
It is expected that all students will adhere to the high ethical principles of our Profession and University as research, scholarship, and creative activities are conducted. If a student violates these principles, sanctions will be faced that are proportional to the gravity of the infraction. Disciplinary action for ethical violations can include dismissal from the graduate program. Because of the bed-rock importance of ethical comportment, violators may not get a second chance. It is critically important for students to be aware of the ethical landscape as one progresses through the graduate program. Students are strongly encouraged to read the documents linked to above and to engage the faculty and fellow students in discussions of ethics in Neuroscience before problems arise. It is often through such discussions that one can learn to avoid ethical problems.
If a student is accused of inappropriate behavior or misconduct, the University has established a judicial structure and process for hearing and settling alleged violations. If the allegation does not involve research misconduct, sexual harassment, or other illegal behaviors, then the first step in this process is informal and should begin with the involved parties trying to resolve the issue in an appropriate way. If this fails, one should contact the Program Director and enlist their help in resolving the problem. If all program resources to resolve the problem have been exhausted, one can request a formal hearing from the College of Natural Science Review Board. To read more about the University's judicial structure see Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University, Sections 2.4.7 and 4.5.4. Additional description can also be found in Article 5 of the Graduate Student's Rights and Responsibilities.
These same procedures can be used to resolve conflicts between faculty and graduate students that do not involve issues of academic integrity including grievances. The Office of the Ombudsman is also available to you to help you resolve conflicts with faculty or University administrators.
Students should consult the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance website (https://civilrights.msu.edu/) regarding procedures for reporting incidents of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence.
K. Rules Concerning the Use of Human Subjects
All research with human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) in the MSU Office of Regulatory Affairs. This applies to all master’s and doctoral research projects, as well as other human subjects research one might be involved in. An IRB is an institutional review board, established to review proposed human subject research on campus. The IRB may approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove research plans. At MSU, all human subject research (regardless of funding) must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before initiation. For complete details about the application procedure, please see the above website. In December 2017, MSU implemented a new research compliance system, ClickTM, to manage its IRB activities. Contact the HRPP by email at irb@ora.msu.edu with any questions.
L. Rules Concerning the Use of Non-Human Vertebrate Animals
All research with non-human vertebrate animals must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before initiation. IACUC is part of the Office of Regulatory Support. The IACUC reviews,
approves, and oversees all MSU programs involving the care and use of all live non-human
animal activities to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.
For complete details about the procedures for applying to use non-human animals in
research, please see the above website. IACUC also uses the ClickTM research compliance system.
M. Rules Concerning the Use of Hazardous Materials
All graduate students must complete and maintain current training in Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety, Gas Cylinder Safety, and Biological Safety. If the research involves the use of any radioactive, biological, or chemical materials that are considered hazardous, one must comply with all University regulations. Please consult the MSU Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS website). All training is documented in ABILITY.
II. Definition of Full-Time Status for Mater's and Doctoral Students
In order to be considered full-time for academic purposes, students must carry a minimum number of credits per semester. Students who have not taken and passed the standardized and specialized components of the comprehensive examination are typically enrolled for at least 6 credits during each semester. The number of credits could be greater in the first year when courses are being taken.
Master’s students without an assistantship must be enrolled for at least 9 credits per semester for full-time status. Master’s students with an assistantship must be enrolled for at least 6 credits per semester for full-time status.
Doctoral students without an assistantship (e.g., fellowship) must be enrolled for at least six credits per semester for full-time status. Doctoral students with an assistantship (e.g., GA, GTA or GRA) must be enrolled for at least 3 credits per semester for full-time status.
Full-time status for doctoral students is defined as a minimum of 1 credit for those who have successfully completed the standard and specialized components of the comprehensive exam and are actively engaged in dissertation research (DD status).
Doctoral students need a minimum of 24 credits, but no more than 36 credits, of NEU 999 (research) to receive the degree.
III. Financial Aid
A. Stipends for Graduate Assistants and Graduate Fellows
All NSP graduate students in good standing will be fully supported during their tenure at MSU from one of a combination of sources. Stipends are considered a subsidy for education, not as payment for employment. An effort is made within the NSP to provide equal opportunity for all and to impose equal requirements on all graduate students. All NSP graduate students are required to participate in research, academic course work, teaching, and outreach as part of their degree requirements. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in various program activities throughout their graduate education including Brain Awareness Week, Interview Days and the NSP Graduate Student Council.
In general, most NSP graduate students will receive a graduate assistantship (GA) stipend from the program during their first year of study (12 months of support). In addition, all graduate assistants and fellows receive a full tuition waiver each semester (up to nine credits in the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to five credits in summer term), waiver of matriculation fees, and paid health insurance. Furthermore, the files of exceptional applicants will be forwarded by the Program Director to the Graduate Associate Dean of the College of Natural Science as nominees for a College of Natural Science Doctoral Recruiting Fellowship, a University Distinguished Fellowship, and/or a University Enrichment Fellowship. Students are also encouraged to apply for extramural funding, including fellowships from the National Institutes of Health and or National Science Foundation. As of 1987, graduate assistantships are not exempt from U.S. taxation (Tax Reform Act of 1986). Thus, all paperwork required by U.S. law for employment must be completed (including the I-9, State and Federal W-4s, etc.). The stipend checks are disbursed bi-weekly each month. Doctoral students who have not completed their comprehensive exam must be enrolled for at least 3 credits per semester when supported by an assistantship and 6 credits per semester when supported by a fellowship. For students supported by an assistantship, this requirement is reduced to 1 credit per semester after successful completion of the standard and specialized components of the comprehensive examination. It should be noted that individual circumstances may vary (e.g., different requirements may come with Individual Fellowships).
Teaching experience is required of all doctoral graduate students, whether they are supported by an assistantship or fellowship. Teaching is considered an essential component of the student’s educational experience and training. Students will be appointed as a TA during the semester they are teaching. Graduate students who have assistantships and all other graduate students who are enrolled for three or more credits per semester may use all University facilities, may obtain discounts on tickets to sporting and cultural events on campus, and are eligible for MSU on-campus housing.
After the master’s or doctoral student completes his/her laboratory rotations and
decides on a laboratory to join for his/her doctoral research, their graduate advisor
will arrange financial support for the student, which will also include the tuition
waiver and health insurance. For example, the graduate advisor may wish to use funds
from his/her research grant to support a student as a Graduate Research Assistant
(GRA) or may arrange for other internal or external support. In addition, various
programs are available within MSU, specifically from The Graduate School, to support
or supplement graduate student stipends. For example, teaching assistantships may
be recommended after consideration of the program needs and consultation with the
student's graduate advisor. Additional information about funding can be found at:
https://grad.msu.edu/funding.
B. Externally Funded Fellowships
Students who have written their own grant applications and awarded external funding worth at least $20,000 (direct costs) are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The in-state tuition rate applies only to the semesters during which the student is supported by the externally funded fellowship. The student must submit a written request to the Program Director, who will then request the Dean of The Graduate School for the in-state tuition rate to be awarded.
C. Office of Financial Aid
Information on scholarships and other financial aid can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid (252 Student Services Building) and at their website, https://finaid.msu.edu/grad.asp. Graduate students can use the services of the MSU Federal Credit Union to arrange for a loan. The Council of Graduate Students (COGS), in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office, can also help graduate students receive interest-free loans of $250 for 60 days. The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) and COGS provide loans of $60 maximum for up to four weeks. These loans are available to graduate students who have paid their ASMSU or COGS tax. The ASMSU/COGS loan office is located at: 307 Student Services Building. A valid MSU student identification card and picture identification must be presented.
D. MSU-GEU Contract for Teaching Assistants (TAs)
NSP TAs are members of the Graduate Employees Union (GEU) and must pay dues the semester they are serving as a TA. MSU and the GEU have a negotiated a contract for 2019 - 2023.
IV. Neuroscience Program Policies
The following policies concerning the stages of progress toward a Ph.D. degree are listed to serve as information for applicants and as a guide for all graduate students in the program. If the NSP academic policies should change during the course of a student's doctoral studies, the student will have the option of retaining the policies as stated at the time of the student’s admission into the program or adopting the new policies.
A. Admissions
a. General Policy
Graduate students usually begin their studies in the fall semester or the preceding
summer session as part of an “early start.”
b. Readmission
If a student’s program of study is interrupted for reasons other than academic progress
for three or more semesters, inclusive of the summer, he/she must apply for readmission
to MSU. With respect to the NSP, readmission is automatic if an application is made
within one year from the beginning of the interruption. The readmission process must
be initiated though the MSU Office of the Registrar Readmission Procedure.
Applications for readmission should be filed at least six weeks prior to the first
day of class of the semester in which the student expects to resume their studies.
All financial holds must be paid in full before an application will be processed.
The NSP office will assist the student with this process.
B. Registration Procedures
Students can enroll for classes online through the Student Information System (SIS).
Students can enroll online through their student portal. Students will receive a letter
that will include a Personal Identification number (PID), a permanent Personal Access
Number (PAN), and the date and time to access the enrollment systems. Detailed instructions
for enrollment and site navigation can be found on through the Student Help & Support page. Students should be aware that late enrollment will result in a substantial additional
fee. Students will be notified of the results of their enrollment requests by mail and/or
email. If the student is not satisfied with the schedule, it can be adjusted via computer.
After obtaining a schedule of courses, a student will complete the registration process
by paying fees indicated on the registration billing statement. Interest will be charged
on the remaining portion of deferred tuition and course fees, but not on deferred
housing charges. Students who have not paid the minimum amount of their bill by the
due date will be dropped from the courses in which they have enrolled. Students must
return their registration bill to the Registrar's Office even if there is a zero balance.
NSP graduate students should discuss their proposed schedule with the Program Director
(Year One in the program) or their graduate advisor (Years Two and beyond).
C. Educational Records
NSP graduate students have the right to access their educational records. One needs to contact the Academic Program Coordinator and schedule a time to review their file. When the review is conducted, the Academic Program Coordinator will be present.
The typical content of a graduate student's file includes:
- Checklist of student's forms
- Admission documents
- MSU transcripts
- Transcripts from other universities
- MSU grade reports
- Laboratory rotation evaluations
- Annual evaluations
- Responsible research conduct workshop records
- Reappointment information letters
- Teaching requirement
- TOEFL scores
- Graduate assistantship appointment papers
- Graduate fellowship appointment papers
- Approvals/other sources of funding
- NSF/NIH/Other funding sources applications
- NIH grant or fellowship appointment papers
- NIH related correspondence papers
- Documents related to the Standard and Specialized Comprehensive Exams
- Report of the guidance committee form of the oral defense
- Health insurance papers, record of courses taken and plan of study
- EHS training records
- Waiver of courses request/approval
- Dissertation proposal
- Termination checklist form/record of dissertation and oral exam requirements for doctoral degree candidate
- Conference abstracts
- Published articles
If a student wishes to challenge any of the content in his/her file, the student should write a letter indicating the issues. This letter will be reviewed by the Program Director and NEC and placed in the student's file. Appropriate action will be taken if indicated by the review.
D. Dismissal Policy
A student may be dismissed or withdrawn from the program for the following reasons: 1) if found to have engaged in scientific misconduct and or 2) failure to pass any component(s) of the comprehensive exam. Please refer to policy described in the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, section 2.4.9.
E. Work Hours and Vacation Time
All graduate students should be actively engaged in research, literature reviews, or some other phase of the doctoral program even during semester breaks. Keep in mind that graduate work in neuroscience is a full-time undertaking. Specific times in the lab and vacation schedules are to be arranged between the graduate student and his/her graduate advisor or rotation supervisor.
F. Electronic Mail
Each NSP graduate student will be issued an account on MSU's email system. Users can exchange email with others at MSU and elsewhere on the internet. Much of the correspondence from the Neuroscience Program office will be communicated via email, including frequent updates regarding seminars and events. See the Acceptable Use Policies for MSU email accounts.
G. Student Travel Policy
All NSP doctoral students in good standing are eligible for $750 in travel support each academic year to travel to and participate in a scientific meeting or conference. To request this funding, students must submit the Travel Funding Application to the Program Director and Academic Program Coordinator well ahead of the meeting for approval. The student must be the first author on an abstract submitted for presentation at the conference to be considered for this funding. Students requesting funding to the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting must submit the request for travel funds by September 8th each year.
Once the Program Director approves the travel support request, the student should download the pre-trip checklist to assist with the reimbursement process. A student can receive program funds in two ways:
- Students can choose to pay travel expenses up front and then submit receipts for reimbursement
after the meeting. Program funds will cover up to $750 of these costs. The balance
will need to come from non-program sources.
- Meeting registration fees and airfare can be direct billed to an NSP account. NSP office staff will assist with this task. Students training in East Lansing should come to the Neuroscience Program Office to register for the meeting using the Program’s P-card. A student should notify the Academic Program Coordinator if the flight is to be direct billed. Students training in Grand Rapids should contact the Translational Neuroscience administration who will assist with meeting registration.
The University requires that students complete travel pre-authorization well before the trip is made. This is done in Concur, a travel and expense system that is designed to streamline the travel process for Michigan State University employees, including graduate students. Graduate students will need to set up an individual account in the Concur system. Information about this can be found at the website http://ctlr.msu.edu/COTravel/AboutConcur.aspx. Travelers and travel arrangers will find their travel profiles, pre-travel requests, travel booking, receipt management, and travel expense reporting in Concur.
For a graduate student traveling overseas, he/she should contact the MSU Office of the University Physician Travel Clinic for updates on vaccinations that might be required and The Graduate School about insurance coverage for international travel.
For additional information/funding, please visit the Graduate School Travel website.
I. Neuroscience Program Standing Committees
Neuroscience Program Executive Committee (NEC)
The NEC represents the faculty in providing advice to the Program Director on policy and curriculum matters relating to the Neuroscience Program. It is charged with managing all aspects associated with the graduate students and graduate program. An important charge is the review of applications for graduate study (each December) and recommendations for applicant admission to the Program Director. The committee also plays a key role in arranging and conducting the Interview Days (January), seeking to recruit the best qualified applicants for graduate study. In its recommendation, the NEC considers the following: academic performance, course preparation in the basic sciences, direct knowledge of and experience in neuroscience research, letters of recommendation, statement of research interest, outreach and service, and competence in the English language, if relevant. The NEC also makes recommendations on requests for course waivers and other issues related to an individual student's graduate training. Students with grievances may take them to a member of the NEC or to the Program Director. The committee consists of six elected NSP faculty members and one appointed graduate student representative. Elective members serve three-year terms. The Program Director and Rosenberg Chair of Neuroscience serve as ex officio members of the committee.
Graduate Student Council (GSC)
The GSC assumes several duties including, but not limited to, organization of the annual retreat, administration of faculty awards, assistance with Interview Days, and planning of social activities. Additionally, members of the GSC can serve as graduate student representatives on the NEC, the Dean's Student Advisory Committee (DSAC), and COGS.
V. University Policies
A. Academic Policies
a. Academic Standing
MSU is committed to high academic standards and expects all graduate students to excel
in their programs of study. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average must be maintained.
The program of study cannot include more than three grades of less than a 3.0. Credits
will not be awarded for courses in which a grade below a 2.0 is earned. If the student
receives a grade below a 2.0 in any course during his/her program of study, he/she
will be required to repeat the course. Additional information can be found in the
Academic Program Catalog under Graduate Education (Policy on Academic Standards for Graduate Students).
A grade point average is one measure of academic standing. However, academic standards also include consideration of the student's suitability for conducting research, competency in his/her major field of study, and rate of progress toward completion of the degree. The NSP believes it is a disservice to permit a student to continue toward the degree without the necessary qualifications for retention. Judgment regarding retention is made by the student's graduate advisor and/or Guidance Committee members. If it is decided that a student lacks such qualifications, he/she may be asked to withdraw according to the procedures as defined in the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Research credits are not considered in determining the grade-point average. Justification for retention must be furnished to The Graduate School for any graduate students whose GPA is below a 3.0 for 14 or more credits. The College of Natural Science may also remove students from degree standing.
If an NSP graduate student's grade point average is below a 3.0, exclusive of research credits, the graduate advisor and Guidance Committee must decide whether the student will be permitted to continue. The results of their decision will be filed in writing with the Program Director.
The student’s Guidance Committee and graduate advisor are jointly responsible for
evaluating the student's competence as indicated by grades in core and other courses,
research performance, development of professional skills, and rate of progress as
indicated by the number of courses for which grades have been assigned or deferred.
Written evaluations will be communicated to the graduate student at least once a year
as part of the Annual Student Progress Report and the Annual Meeting of the Guidance
Committee report. A copy of these reports will be kept by the Program Director and
NSP Academic Program Coordinator in the graduate student's file. A student whose performance
does not meet the standards of quality will not be permitted to continue to enroll
in the degree program, and appropriate action will be taken by the Program Director.
As mentioned above for annual progress evaluation, a student may file a written dissent
that will be discussed by the Program Director, the graduate advisor, and the student's
Guidance Committee for resolution.
b. Time Limits
The comprehensive examination must be passed within five years and all remaining requirements
for the degree must be completed within eight years from the time of a student's first
enrollment as a doctoral student in the NSP (the date of the first course included
for degree certification). Most graduate students complete their degree in five years,
or less. Failure to meet program, college, and University deadlines or to complete the Ph.D.
degree in a timely fashion will remove the student from "good standing" status and
jeopardize funding. If this limit is exceeded, the Program Director will consult with the student's Guidance
Committee to determine the circumstances and follow-up actions. The committee may
file a letter justifying the continuation of the student, and the extension must be
approved by the College of Natural Science and The Graduate School. If no letter is
filed, or if a majority of the committee declines to sign the letter, the Program
Director shall inform the student by letter that he or she is no longer eligible to
register in the program. If the degree requirements are not completed within this
eight-year period, the comprehensive examinations must be re-taken and passed again.
DF-Deferred Grades: The required work must be completed, and a grade reported, within 6 months. If the required work is not completed within the time limit, the DF will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to DF/U under the numerical and Pass-No Grade (P-N) grading systems, and to DF/NC under the Credit-No Credit (CR-NC) system. This rule does not apply to graduate thesis (NEU 899) or dissertation research credits (NEU 999).
c. Research Involving Human/Animal Subjects or Hazardous Substances
Federal and University regulations require that all research projects involving human
subjects and materials of human origin be reviewed and approved by an Institutional
Review Board (IRB) before initiation. The Human Research and Protection Program (HRPP) is an MSU Institutional Review Board. Under the regulations, a human subject of research
is an individual (1) from whom an investigator obtains data by interaction or intervention
or (2) about whom the research obtains confidential information.
MSU policy requires that use within the institution of living vertebrate animals (includes laboratory rats and mice, etc.) be reviewed for appropriateness by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before use of these animals commences. This pertains to all University- owned animals, including client-owned animals used in research, and animals studied undisturbed in their natural habitat. For general reference, the publication that details the standards to which the University conforms is the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Departure from this published guideline requires written scientific justification in the animal use form. Principal investigators and course directors must obtain approval from the IACUC before initiating any research, testing, or instructional project involving the use of vertebrate animals.
The Graduate School will not accept master’s theses or doctoral dissertations containing research on human subjects that has not been reviewed and approved previously by HRPP or research involving animal use without previous review and approval from IACUC. The Graduate School will verify HRPP project numbers and AUF numbers before granting degrees.
The University acts through its advisory committees and academic governance bodies to ensure that individual research and scholarly projects incorporate appropriate safeguards when dealing with radiation, biological and chemical hazards. All individuals performing work with hazardous substances must accept a shared responsibility for operating in a safe manner once they have been informed about the extent of risk and safe procedures for their activities. Individuals are responsible for safely performing activities associated with hazardous substances.
All students working in laboratories are required to complete and maintain current
training in Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety, Gas Cylinder Safety and Biological
Safety, among other required training, sponsored by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Annual renewal training may be obtained by taking an online course. Information
regarding these sessions and courses can be obtained by contacting the EHS office.
If an NSP graduate student has a question regarding safety, he/she should consult
the graduate advisor. If the question of safety is not resolved, the student should
contact EHS for further information as well as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
for the chemical substance.
d. Residence
A minimum of 6 credits in the degree program must be earned in residence on the East
Lansing campus or at an approved MSU instructional site to obtain a degree from Michigan
State University.
e. Transfer Credits
Graduate course credits may be transferred from other accredited domestic or foreign
institutions of similar quality to MSU if they are appropriate for an NSP graduate
student's program of study. Transfer credits are reviewed by the Program Director
and NEC, and approved, if appropriate. Only 9 credits of graduate-level courses in
which at least a 3.0 (B) grade was received will be considered for transfer.
f. Graduate Assistant Illness/Injury/Pregnancy Leave Policy
From the Graduate School Guide to Graduate Assistantships:
"A graduate assistant unable to fulfill the duties of his/her appointment because of illness or injury shall notify the administrator of his/her appointing unit as soon as circumstances permit. Similarly, a graduate assistant unable to fulfill the duties of her appointment because of pregnancy shall notify the administrator of her major unit as soon as circumstances permit. During illness, injury, or pregnancy, the major unit shall adjust (reduce, waive, or reschedule) the graduate assistant's duties as those duties and the assistant's physical circumstances reasonably dictate. If total absence from duties becomes necessary and the graduate assistant is still enrolled, the appointing unit shall maintain the stipend of the appointment, provided for a period of two months or to the end of the appointment period or the semester, whichever occurs first. The graduate assistant shall have the right to return to the assistantship, within the original terms of the appointment, at such time as he/she is able to reassume his/her duties."
g. Work in Absentia
Candidates for the doctoral degree may, with the approval of their graduate advisor
and Guidance Committee, conduct some work in absentia. Arrangements for registration
may be made by applying at the Office of the Dean, College of Natural Science.
h. Language Requirement
The NSP graduate program does not have a language requirement.
i. Student Travel Policy
Graduate students must complete travel pre-authorization well before a trip is made.
This is done in Concur, a travel and expense system that is designed to streamline
the travel process for Michigan State University employees, including graduate students.
Graduate students will need to set up an individual account in the system. Information
about this can be found at the website http://ctlr.msu.edu/COTravel/AboutConcur.aspx.Travelers and travel arrangers will find their travel profiles, pre-trip requests,
travel booking, receipt management, and travel expense reporting in Concur.
j. International Travel
NSP graduate students who plan to travel to a foreign country on Michigan State University
business should complete the following tasks: First, contact the University Physician’s
Travel Clinic at least three months in advance of your date of departure. Travel to certain countries may require one or more vaccinations
or boosters. In addition, potential health hazards, travel problems and restrictions
for each country will be reviewed by the Travel Clinic nurse. Second, if one intends
to pursue a research project in another country, permission is needed from the appropriate
governmental agency in that country. For some countries, it may take up to one year
to obtain approval. Third, if one intends to bring plant or animal tissue samples
or DNA/RNA from a foreign country back into the United States, one needs approval
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Be sure to obtain proper letters of authorization to bring biological samples back
to the United States. Fourth, complete all pre-travel authorization in Concur and
get approval from the NSP Academic Program Coordinator. Fifth, obtain any needed medications
to take with you in case of an emergency. These might include, for example, small
packets of dehydration salts if you have experienced excessive fluid loss, appropriate
antibiotics in case of food-poisoning or an infected wound, and anti-malarial/preventative
medication. Be aware that in some countries possession of illegal drugs is a death
sentence. Sixth, register with the MSU Global Travel Registry. All faculty, staff, and students traveling on MSU-sponsored international business (non-education abroad) must, before their departure, register their travel in the MSU Global Travel Registry. Registration is an essential tool in supporting the health and safety of MSU travelers
abroad. Seventh, request from MSU, through the NSP office, free medical emergency
evacuation insurance at the time one completes the pre-travel authorization. This
insurance will cover the cost of evacuation to an appropriate medical facility in
the event of illness or an accident. It is also helpful to talk with other people
who have spent time in the country being visited to get a sense of the customs, food-related
problems, medical care, travel arrangements, and safe and unsafe personal activities.
One can apply to The Graduate School (https://grad.msu.edu/travel/) for assistance with travel funding. If The Graduate School provides funding, they
will also provide a MEDEX emergency card. Check the International Studies and Programs website for issues related to safety around the world.
When students appointed as GTAs or GRAs travel outside the U.S. to conduct required
thesis or dissertation research, or to collaborate with investigators conducting research
abroad, the program, department or research grant supporting the work will be required
to pay for all needed vaccinations and/or medications (e.g., COVID-19, anti-malaria),
as determined by the MSU Travel Clinic. Students may include those costs in applications
for travel funds from The Graduate School.
B. Special Information for International Students
MSU is authorized under immigration regulations to enroll non-immigrant, international
students. The NSP welcomes applications from international students. When an international
student receives the formal application packet, he/she should complete all forms and
return them electronically and or via air mail to the Neuroscience Program Office:
766 Service Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 by the December
5th of each year, which is the graduate application deadline. International applicants
should consult this website at The Graduate School for additional information about
admission requirements: https://grad.msu.edu/internationalapplicants.
a. Minimum Requirements for Admission
There are three basic requirements for admission to the NSP at Michigan State University:
(1) a strong and above average educational history as applicants must have successfully
completed at least the equivalent of an American undergraduate degree (4 years) with
a minimum GPA of a 3.0, (2) adequate financial resources (a graduate assistantship
or fellowship meets this requirement), and (3) adequate English language proficiency,
as discussed below.
b. English Language Proficiency
All international applicants are required to be proficient in English as a condition
for regular admission to MSU. Applicants whose first language is not English will
be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards
on one of the following tests. Additional information can be found at the following
The Graduate School website, English Language Proficiency.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L) (Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08549, USA. The official report must be sent directly to MSU from the Educational Testing Service.
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), (The English Language Institute Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA). An average score of 83 or higher is required with no subscores below 80. The English Language Institute from the University of Michigan must receive the official report. (Not available in P.R. China)
- English Language Test (MSUELT, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48825-1035, USA). The MSU English Language Center provides programs to teach English or improve skills. An average MSUELT score of 80-85, with no subscores below 80, or an average score above 85, with no subscores below 78 is required for admission. This exam is given at Michigan State University and is generally used only by international students already residing in the United States. More information can be found on the MSU English Language Center web page.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): http://www.ielts.org/
c. Visa Information
Please visit the Michigan State University Office for International Students and Scholars website for current information.
d. Teaching Assignments for International Students
All international students admitted to the NSP whose first language is not English
will be interviewed by the MSU English Language Center (ELC) faculty upon arrival
on campus or after completing their first year of graduate studies. The English Language
Center is 619 Red Cedar Road, Wells Hall B230 MSU. Each student will receive an interview
from the ELC staff. A student’s ability to understand and speak English will be reported
to the NSP and whether the student is approved for a teaching assignment. Students
who fail to pass the minimum Michigan State University standard for English proficiency
will not be assigned to classroom teaching until their language skills have improved.
They may be required to participate in ELC classes. More information regarding the
English classes can be found on the English Language Center website.
All international NSP graduate students are required to take the SPEAK test (minimum
score of 50 or waiver by interview) and attend a three-day international TA orientation
at the beginning of their second year in the graduate program. The orientation will
provide the international teaching assistant with instruction and practice in classroom
teaching. For additional information, see the Teaching Assistant Program website. Although MSU still accepts TSE scores as an alternative to the SPEAK test,
the score report cannot have been issued more than two years prior to the student's
appointment as a TA. Also, note that the spoken section of TOEFL does not substitute
for the SPEAK test.
e. Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) serves international students and foreign faculty. OISS is a resource center
for information and consultation on matters related to the international student and
faculty/scholars. The staff is prepared to help in any of the various areas of concern,
including academic problems, immigration questions, social health, employment, or
financial matters. The office also organizes seminars and workshops on topics of interest
to the broad University community. These have included immigration regulations, cross-cultural
communication, pre-departure programs for graduating students and various training
programs. The OISS is in the International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Room 105, MSU,
East Lansing, MI, 48824-1035, (517) 353-1720. It is critical that international students
familiarize themselves with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) policies.
f. Health Insurance
From MSU Human Resources Student Health Insurance policy:
For the graduate assistant, one will automatically be enrolled in the MSU-sponsored student health insurance plan and the insurance premium will be paid by MSU. If a student would like to waive coverage, he/she must demonstrate insurance of comparable coverage. If a student wants to waive out of this coverage, one can apply to do so at: https://yourstudenthealthplan.com/
Find more information about student health insurance, please visit the Student Benefits page of the MSU Human Resources website.
For questions regarding coverage under this plan, enrollment, or premium payment, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield directly.
For questions concerning waiver processing or general information, contact the MSU
Benefits Office at 517.353.4434 or 1.800.353.4434. The Benefits Office is located at 1407 S. Harrison
Road, Suite 140A (Nisbet Building), East Lansing, MI 48823.
g. Orientation
Orientation programs provided by the Office for International Students and Scholars
are required for all new international students. Some of the issues discussed are
the U.S. education system, legal issues, campus and community resources, extracurricular,
social, and educational opportunities, and registration procedures. The orientation
is usually one-week long and is held prior to the beginning of the student's first
semester. In addition, all new NSP graduate students will participate in a program-led
orientation session in August a few days prior to the start of the fall semester.
h. Support Services
The Office for International Students and Scholars has organized a group of nationality
clubs and organizations, which the international student may join. A list of the names
and phone numbers of the officers of each club is available from the OISS website.
VI. University Resources and Services for Graduate Students
The University provides a wide array of services to students to assist them in adjusting to the rigors and inevitable stresses that occur in academic life.
A. Academic Facilities
a. Student Services
Michigan State University provides extensive student personnel services to assist
students and to enhance the educational experience. Michigan State University recognizes
that the total development of the individual - personal, social, physical, and intellectual
are of equal importance.
The Division of Student Life and Engagement has general administrative responsibility for all student personnel matters. The multiple services and responsibilities are carried out through the offices of Coordinated Minority Student Programs, Counseling, Financial Aid, Intramural Sports, Recreative Services, Placement Services (including Student Employment and the Career Information Center), Student Life, and University Housing Programs. The Student Life area includes Campus Life Orientation, Health and Alcohol Education, Judicial Affairs, Off-Campus Housing and Commuter Programs, Service Learning, Student Activities, Student and Leadership Development, and Student Withdrawals and Records.
b. Michigan State University Libraries
It is strongly suggested that students take advantage of the library tours to become more thoroughly familiar with all the available resources. There are many
branch libraries on campus.
c. Tech.msu.edu
- Support
- Computer Store
- Statistical Training & Consulting
- Programming Requests - This is a professional group that charges professional fees for computer work. They can offer some statistical help although they are limited in this area. They can do just about any computer programming work. The student will be given an estimate of charges which students must approve before the job is performed.
- Computer Labs
d. Bookstore
The Spartan Bookstore is located in the International Center on Shaw Lane. Off-campus bookstores are in
the East Lansing area.
e. Graduate Student Wellness
The Office of Graduate Student Life & Wellness offers tools, resources and programs to help graduate students succeed and to have
a great overall experience at Michigan State University.
f. The Writing Center
The MSU Writing Center offers writing consultation to graduate as well as undergraduate students. One-on-one
consultations are best for small papers or projects like curriculum vitas, abstracts,
and cover letters, while peer response writing groups offer help developing drafts
of larger projects like research and conference papers, and even theses and dissertations.
The Center also has a library with books on resumes, vitas and cover letters, and
examples of all the above. Call 432-3610 to make an appointment, or email grammar@msu.edu for grammatical questions.
g. Career Services Network
The Career Development and Placement Services office assists students in career advising
and seeking employment upon graduation. Their staff does workshops, classes, and individual
advising on topics such as how to interview successfully and steps to creating a well-written
resume. You may also interview for internships or full-time employment through the
Career Placement office. More information can be found in 113 Student Services Building.
The Career Services Network, located in Suite 113 Student Services Building. (353-6474) provides up-to-date information
on career possibilities, self-evaluation tools, and resource material on career choice,
planning and strategy.
h. IT Services Training
Michigan State University IT Services Training offers a variety of non-credit computing courses and workshops. Courses cover a wide
range of topics on computing for the purpose of job training, career development,
and/or personal improvement.
B. Health Facilities
a. Health Insurance
Michigan State University and the Council of Graduate Students worked together to
offer graduate assistants health insurance coverage beginning Fall Semester 1994. "Student only" coverage will be automatically
provided, at no cost to graduate assistants. The University will provide a full twelve
months of coverage if your appointment is at least nine months. Those with a Fall
Semester assistantship are provided six months of coverage, beginning August 16. A
Spring Semester reappointment extends health insurance benefits for an additional
six months. Spring Semester appointments only include health insurance coverage beginning
February 15 through Summer Semester (August 15). If you wish to enroll your legal
spouse and/or dependent children, please contact the MSU Benefits office. Questions
regarding enrollment, premium payment and coverage should be directed to Blue Care
Network at 1-(800)-662-6667. Questions or issues that cannot be resolved with Blue
Care Network may be directed to the MSU Solutions Center at 1407 South Harrison Road, Room 140 Nisbet Building.
b. Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Staff specialists are available to respond to mobility, visual, hearing, alternative
learner, and other populations to enable their involvement in University activities.
Other resources are available to students with special needs.
c. MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS is a division of MSU Student Health & Wellness where students can receive assistance
for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, homesickness, adjustment
or acculturation, relationships, LBGTQ concerns, substance abuse, trauma, eating or
body image, and other personal mental health issues. Services are provided by a professional
staff that includes care managers, social workers, professional counselors, psychologists,
psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses. Services are available at the Olin Health Center,
the Neighborhood Engagement Centers, and the MSU Union Building. To learn more about
CAPS call 517-355-8270 or visit www.caps.msu.edu.
CAPS Main Office: Student Services Building, 556 East Circle Dr. Room 207
d. Olin Health Center
The primary Campus Health Service is the Olin Health Center. However, in the event of an emergency, no matter what
time of day, go directly to the hospital:
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing: 1215 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence: 1210 W Saginaw St, Lansing MI 48915
McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital: 2900 Collins Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
Otherwise, go to the nearest emergency center.
e. Women*s Student Services
The Women*s Student Services fosters inclusive conversations that explore topics of intersectional feminism, builds
collaborations and coalitions with other student services offices and other departments
on campus, supports all students in working toward an empowering and equitable community
for women-identified students at MSU, and works to be respectful, responsive, and
resourceful.
f. Intramural Sports Faciities
Students have access to equipment and facilities in the intramural sports facilities located in the IM-West, IM-East, and IM-Circle. Students must present a current MSU
student ID and a picture ID in order to be admitted to these facilities and borrow
the equipment. Use of most of the facilities is free to currently enrolled students,
although there are a few exceptions, such as a small charge for the use of the weight
room in IM-East and IM-West, as well as fees for attending group exercise classes.
C. Transportation and Parking On-Campus
a. Parking On Campus
Any vehicle you bring on campus must be registered through the Department of Public Safety. Required student registration of motor vehicles can be done through the Department
of Public Safety's Office for Parking and Permits between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. Generally, students with teaching or research assistantships are eligible
to obtain parking permits which allow parking at several lots throughout campus. Graduate
students without assistantships have permits allowing them to park in commuter lots
on the outer edges of the campus. To obtain a parking permit the applicant must present
their vehicle registration, student ID, and driver's license.
If you do not have a graduate assistantship, you may, under special circumstances,
qualify for a parking permit. For example, if your vehicle is necessary in performing
the duties for a job on campus, you may wish to apply for a parking permit. You will
need to go to the Department of Public Safety and fill out a Special Request form
for a parking permit. A member of the staff of the Department of Public Safety will
review your request and if they feel you need a parking permit for campus, they will
give you the opportunity to buy one. The Department of Public Safety, Parking Division,
can be contacted to answer any further questions.
b. Buses
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides bus service to all parts of the MSU campus and connections with CATA routes
serving the Lansing and East Lansing area.
c. Bicycles (Purchase and Rental)
The University maintains bicycle racks throughout the campus. Bikes should be locked
and registered, when on campus. Bikes are not permitted in most campus buildings.
Improperly parked bikes are subject to impoundment by the Department of Public Safety.
Bicycle registration through the MSU Department of Public Safety or the cities of
East Lansing or Lansing is required. Also visit MSU Bikes Service Center for more information about renting and purchasing bicycles.
D. Graduate Student Organizations
a. Council of Graduate Students
The Council of Graduate Students (also known as COGS) is the official graduate student organization at Michigan State
University. Officers and departmental representatives (one representative per department/program
for the entire University) are voting members. The primary objective is improvement
of the academic, social, and economic position of graduate students at MSU. The organization
has official delegates to the MSU Graduate Council, the Academic Council and standing
committees thereof, and several all-University and presidential committees. Through
membership in these and other bodies, COGS participates in decisions on such matters
as tuition and fees, the grading system, traffic regulations, academic and extracurricular
programs of the University, graduate assistant stipends, improvements in on- and off-campus
student living conditions, academic freedom and responsibilities, student representation
in University government, and the selection of principal administrative officers.
Meetings are open to all graduate students. For further information, contact the NSP
office for the name of your representative.
COGS offers a wide range of services and programs to graduate students including the following:
- MSU Student Food Bank: COGS and the Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU) jointly established a Student Food Bank to address food insecurity of students and their families with financial hardship. The Student Food Bank is located at Olin Health Center, and appointments can be made online. Students may visit once per week. For more information, or to volunteer, stop by the office (Olin Health Center, 463 E. Circle Drive Rm. 151).
- Copy Center: COGS maintains a copier center next to its office. Open to all graduates of the MSU community, the COGS copy center features three high quality Xerox copiers for use at the lowest rates available. They accept cash or check only. The COGS copy center can provide any advanced features such as collating, reducing and enlarging, two-sided copying, and automatic sheet feed. The office staff is always available to assist you.
- Student Legal Services: COGS and ASMSU have joined together to provide a wide range of legal services to MSU students. This service is free to all graduate students. The plan enables students to consult a staff attorney on many legal matters such as landlord/tenant problems, small claims, traffic offenses, and minor criminal/civil matters. For more specialized needs, students are refereed to other area attorneys. Students Legal Services is in Room 329, Student Services Building. Due to the large number of phone calls and potential problems, no legal advice of any kind will be given over the phone. Call 517-353-3716 (Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) to engage their services.
- $300 Short Term Loans: ASMSU administers a $300 loan program for COGS. To obtain a loan, bring a valid MSU ID and a picture ID to 307 Student Services. The loan is interest-free for 8 weeks. Since the loan fund is a limited resource, money may not always be available. Loans are only available during the first 6 weeks of classes during the semester.
- $500 Short Term Loans: The MSU Office of Financial Aid administers a COGS-funded $500 loan program. Applications for the $500 loan are available in 252 Student Services and take 2-3 business days to process. Make sure you write “COGS LOAN” clearly at the top of the application form. This loan is interest-free for up to 60 days.
- Endowment Funding: COGS offers conference grants (you can be awarded up to $300 for a Conference grant, and only once in a graduate lifetime). Apply before the first Friday of classes of the semester in which the conference will take place. Awards are drawn by lottery. Other types of endowment funding (professional development, DEI, childcare) can be found on the COGS website.
b. Woman's Networking Association
The mission of the Women’s Networking Association (WNA) is to connect professional women across campus through meaningful and empowering
relationships. Providing an opportunity for women to network and support one another
is an essential step for building women’s leadership at Michigan State University
and in the Greater Lansing community. WNA hosts monthly seminars which focus on professional
development and leadership building. Topics have included: Effective Networking; Creating
Your Brand; Goal Setting and Achievement; Communication Skills for Women; among others.
WNA programs are open to all and may have relevance to individuals seeking to advance
their careers or develop networking and leadership skills.
E. University Guides and References
a. Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities
The GSRR specifically addresses student conduct, academic pursuits, keeping of records
and publications. It describes procedures for formulating regulations governing student
conduct and for providing due process in the adjudication of student disciplinary
cases. It also defines channels and procedures for student complaints and grievances.
b. Funding Guide
The Graduate School has produced a collection of resources to assist students in identifying funding sources such as grants, fellowships, scholarships,
and awards.
c. Academic Programs
Academic Programs (University catalogs) are the primary sources for University regulations,
policies, procedures, costs, and academic program requirements.
d. Spartan Life
Spartan Life provides valuable information for your engagement at Michigan State University.
This set of resources compiles much of the essential information you will need to
optimize your Spartan experience.
e. Class Search
The Class Search function is available within your Student Portal (https://student.msu.edu/). It is
published each semester and provides information on courses, University regulations,
policies, procedures, costs, and the academic calendar.
f. MSU Directory
The MSU Directory is located online and can be accessed with a single sign-in. The
Neuroscience Program also has a program directory on its website.
g. The Graduate School Guide to the Preparation of the Theses and Dissertations
The Graduate School Guide to the Preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations describes the final procedures for degree completion and manuscript requirements
for your thesis or dissertation.
h. COGS News
COGS News is regularly published online by the Council of Graduate Student (COGS).
i. MSU Today
MSU Today is a weekly publication geared toward University and faculty interests.
j. The State News
The State News is another MSU daily news source that contains news and releavant information.
F. Directory of Frequently Contacted Offices
a. The Neuroscience Program Office
Graduate Program Director, Dr. A.J. Robison: 884-5003
Academic Program Coordinator, Eleri Thomas: 884-9523
b. The College of Natural Science
Dean, Dr. Phillip M. Duxbury: 355-4473
c. The Graduate School
Dean, Dr. Pero Dagbovie: 353-3220