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2021-2022
STUDENT-ATHLETE
HANDBOOK AND PLANNER
Prepared by
Student-Athlete Support Services
Clara Bell Smith Center
517-355-2204
www.sass.msu.edu
@MSU_SASS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Academic Calendar
Michigan State University 2021-2022 Academic Calendar 4
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
Mission Statement 5
Values 5
Athletic Council 5
Spartan Fund 6
Student-Athlete Support Services and Policies
Student-Athlete Support Services Mission Statement 6
Eligibility Monitoring 6
Smith Center Services 8
Student-Athlete Development Program 15
Academic Awards 17
Education Abroad Programs 17
George Webster Memorial Scholarship 18
University Information
Classification of Students 18
Repeating A Course 18
Attending Another Institution 19
Hold Policy 19
Registration Policies 19
Changing Majors 19
Immunizations 20
Graduation and Commencement 20
Code of Conduct
Academic Honesty 20
Academic Conduct 21
Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct 22
Student-Athlete Conduct Policy 23
Student-Athlete Behavior Standards 23
University Non-Hazing Statement of Policy 25
Student-Athletes and Financial Aid Policies
Athletic Scholarships 26
Renewal of Athletic Scholarships 26
Paying Your Bill 27
NCAA Special Assistance Fund 27
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Housing 28
Parking 28
Compliance
Ethical Conduct 28
Boosters and Extra Benefits 29
Complimentary Admission 29
Student-Athlete Employment 30
Agents and Amateurism 30
Sports Wagering 30
Playing and Practice Seasons 31
Unattached Competition 31
Charitable, Institutional, and Promotional Activities 31
Official Visits 32
Transfer Policy 33
Name, Image and Likeness 34
Reporting Rules Violations 34
Performance, Facilities, and Media
Strength and Conditioning 34
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training 37
Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Testing Program 40
Concussion Policy 42
Spartans Fuel 43
Equipment Room 44
Athletic Facilities 45
Athletic Communications 46
Campus Resource Phone Numbers 48
Athletic Department Phone Numbers 49
Sport Administrators 49
Student-Athlete Support Services Staff 50
The policies, regulations, and procedures in the 2021-22 Student-Athlete Handbook are
subject to change and will be communicated to student-athletes at the time of implementation.
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Michigan State University 2021-22 Academic Calendar
FALL 2021 SPRING 2022
Classes begin September 1 January 10
Deadline to apply for graduation September 3 January 14
University closed September 6
Open add period ends at 8pm September 8 January 14
Classes cancelled/University open January 17
End of tuition refund September 27 February 4
Middle of semester October 20 March 2
Last day to withdraw or drop a class October 20 March 2
Completion of incompletes from Spring/Sum 2021 October 20
Break Days October 25-26
Completion of incompletes from Fall 2021 March 2
Spring Break March 7-11
Summer enrollment begins March 14
Enrollment for Fall 2022/Spring & Summer 2023 April 1
SASS Academic Excellence Gala April 11
Tuition bills available November 20 (Spring) April 20 (Summer)
University closed November 25-26
Initial minimum tuition payment due December 1 (Spring) May 1 (Summer)
Classes end December 12 May 1
Final exams December 13-17 May 2-6
Book Return for Scholarship Student-Athletes December 17 May 6
Commencement December 17-18 May 6-8
Grades Available December 22 May 11
University closed December 24-27
University closed December 31
University closed January 3
SUMMER 2022 FIRST FULL SECOND
Classes begin May 16 May 16 July 5
Open add period ends at 8pm May 18 May 20 July 7
University closed May 30 May 30
Middle of semester June 8 July 1 July 27
University closed July 4
Classes end June 30 August 18 August 18
Grades Available July 9 August 23 August 23
Book Return for Scholarship Student-Athletes August 18 August 18 August 18
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DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Mission Statement
We create opportunities for student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and in their life’s
pursuit, valuing all within our community while ensuring their health, safety, and wellness.
Values
Student Centered – MSU Athletics keeps our student-athletes’ health, safety, academic achievement,
athletic achievement, and life goals at the core of everything we do.
Honor – We will do things the right way.
Integrity – We will meet the highest standards of our
community and one another.
Respect – We will:
Sustain and celebrate a diverse and inclusive
environment.
Embrace openness, discussion, and diverse ideas.
Unity – We will:
Foster a supportive family connection, win or lose.
Embrace our diversity as we work toward common
goals.
Discipline – We will:
Maximize our resources.
Work harder to achieve more.
Pride – We will create championship opportunities for our
student-athletes:
On the field of play.
In the classroom.
In life after college.
Athletic Council
The Athletic Council is an advisory body consisting of faculty, staff, students, and alumni
representatives. The 18-member Council is composed of 8 faculty members, 3 alumni
representatives, 3 student representatives and 4 ex officio members (Director of the Alumni
Association, Vice President of Operations, Director of Athletics, and Faculty Athletic
Representatives). The MSU Athletic Council is composed of 4 subcommittees: Academics and
Compliance, Budgeting and Operations, Equity and Strategic Planning, and Drug Education and
Testing. The Athletic Council advises the Athletics Director and University administration on
matters of policy, procedures and organization related to Intercollegiate Athletics. The Athletic
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Council is involved with academic and fiscal integrity, governance and compliance issues, and
student-athlete welfare matters related to the conduct of a Big Ten and NCAA Division I-A
intercollegiate athletics program.
Spartan Fund
As the fundraising arm of MSU Athletics, Spartan Fund serves as a bridge between the goals of the
athletics department and the philanthropic passions of
nearly 15,000 donors.
Through annual donations, support for facilities, and
endowment gifts that build scholarships, donors create
opportunities in the classroom, in competition, and in the
community for you and your fellow MSU student-athletes.
These opportunities ultimately allow Spartan student-
athletes to earn a world-class education while playing the
sport they love and utilize the life skills learned to propel
them to success beyond the banks of the Red Cedar.
MSU Athletics is entirely self-sustaining, meaning it does
not receive any general fund dollars from the
university. Annually, MSU Athletics will incur $15 million in
student-athlete scholarship expenses that must be paid back
to the university. Additionally, there are significant costs
(equipment, travel, facilities, etc.) that provide you the
necessities to compete for championships both on and off the field. This reality creates a significant
need for donations.
For more information regarding Spartan Fund, feel free to call (517) 432-4610. A Spartan Fund
representative will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in developing a lasting,
impactful relationship with MSU Athletics.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES AND POLICIES
Student-Athlete Support Services Mission Statement
We provide each student-athlete with guidance, resources, and support that will enhance their
development both academically and personally. This is accomplished within a proactive success
driven environment which delivers quality academic services and diverse programming.
Eligibility Monitoring
Important Information Regarding Your Eligibility
▪ Eligibility is your responsibility.
▪ It is your responsibility to meet all appropriate NCAA and Big Ten rules regarding academic
eligibility. Credits may count differently for different rules.
▪ It is your responsibility to maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credits) in every
fall/spring term to be eligible for practice, aid, and competition.
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▪ It is your responsibility to earn 6-degree applicable credits each semester in order to compete
the following semester.
▪ Your GPA will be evaluated every semester;
therefore, you must meet Big Ten GPA
requirements in order to be eligible to compete
each semester.
▪ Courses can only count towards eligibility one
time and only when they are successfully
completed. If a course has a minimum grade
requirement, you will not earn degree applicable
credit until you earn the appropriate grade in
the course for the major you are in for that
term.
▪ You must declare a designated major by the
beginning of your 5th semester in college.
▪ You must earn 18-degree applicable credits of
the required NCAA applicable coursework
during the fall and spring terms.
▪ For the NCAA, you must also complete 40% of
your degree before the start of your 3
rd
year,
60% of your degree before the start of your 4
th
year, and 80% of your degree before the start of your 5
th
year.
▪ For Big Ten purposes, you must earn your first 24 credits at MSU if you are a freshman. As
a freshman, you may not take summer courses elsewhere that will count towards eligibility
until you have earned 24 credits at MSU.
▪ You should not make changes to your schedule or major without talking to your Academic
Coordinator. Failure to do this could render you ineligible.
NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of eligibility rules. For detailed and complete rules and
bylaws, please refer to the Big Ten and NCAA manuals.
*It is your responsibility to earn 6-degree applicable credits each semester to compete the following
semester and post-season competition.
*At the
beginning of
your…
you must have earned
at least _____ for the NCAA,
and you must have earned a
minimum of _____ for the
Big Ten.
2
nd
semester
6 credits
--------
2
nd
year
24 credits
a 1.80 GPA
3
rd
year
40% of the course requirements in
your degree
a 1.90 GPA
4
th
year
60% of the course requirements in
your degree
a 2.00 GPA
5
th
year
80% of the course requirements in
your degree
a 2.00 GPA
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Football Student-Athletes Only
Failure to earn 9-degree applicable credits and earn the APR eligibility point in the Fall term will
result in a 4-game suspension the following season. Two games may be regained by earning 27
credits in the school year (Fall, Spring and Summer). A one-time exception allows you to regain all
four games by passing the 27 credits.
Baseball Student-Athletes Only
Baseball student-athletes must be eligible beginning
the Fall term to be eligible to compete in the Spring
term. However, being eligible for the Fall does not
guarantee eligibility for the Spring. You must meet the
GPA requirement after the Fall semester to remain
eligible for the Spring.
Post-Season Competition Rules
Sports whose post-season competition begins after
the end of the term (Fall or Spring) must meet further
eligibility requirements to compete. You must pass 6-
degree applicable credits to compete. Sports affected
by this rule are baseball, football, men’s and women’s
golf, rowing, softball, men’s and women’s tennis,
men’s and women’s track and field, and volleyball.
Double Majoring/Major Changes
Students who wish to double major must declare their intentions in writing by the start of the 7
th
semester of enrollment. Classes for the 2
nd
major cannot be used for eligibility purposes, according
to NCAA rules. Any major changes after the 7
th
semester must be cleared through your Academic
Coordinator. Changing after this time may affect your eligibility and/or graduation date. Please meet
with your Academic Coordinator to plan your semesters accordingly.
Pre-professional Coursework
Pre-professional coursework (i.e., med school, vet school, dental, etc.) are not covered by a student-
athlete’s scholarship unless you have elective room. Once elective credits run out, you are
responsible for covering the cost of pre-professional coursework.
Minors
Credit hours earned or accepted toward a minor may be used to satisfy credit hour requirements
after the first two years of enrollment, provided the minor is officially designated by the beginning
of the applicable term (Big Ten Handbook).
Smith Center Services
Hours of Operation
Fall and Spring Semesters Summer and Breaks
Sunday 3pm-10pm Sunday Closed
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-10pm Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday Closed
Saturday Closed
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Structured Study Program
8 Hours of Study Table
Sunday-Friday
No
Requirements
1
st
semester freshmen
X
1
st
semester transfers
X
2
nd
semester student-athlete or
transfer with
CUM GPA > 3.250
X
2
nd
semester student-athlete or
transfer with
CUM GPA <3.249
X
3
rd
semester student-athletes with
CUM GPA > 2.300
X
3
rd-
10
th
semester student-athletes
with
CUM GPA < 2.300
X
Study Table Hours of Operation
Swipe in times for study table are as follows:
Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm (zoom sessions only)
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-9:30pm
Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
To encourage proper time management, a maximum
of only two hours can be completed on Friday.
Tutorial Services
Student-Athlete Support Services offers a
comprehensive tutorial program. The department
employs undergraduate and graduate student tutors to
provide assistance in a wide variety of academic areas.
Tutorial services offered through SASS are available to
all student-athletes with equal access for all sports.
The keys to successful use of tutorial services include
class attendance, organization, and preparation. It
must be understood that you are accountable for your own behavior regarding the utilization of
academic support services, including tutoring. The primary focus of tutoring is to serve as
supplemental instruction to the material covered in class. Tutorial services are designed to reinforce
healthy study habits, test taking techniques, and strategies to promote independent learning.
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To request a tutorial appointment, see your Academic Coordinator. All appointments must take
place at the Clara Bell Smith Center and be pre-approved by your Academic Coordinator. You are
NOT allowed to have any type of contact with your tutor (this includes when classes are no longer
in session and the tutor and student-athlete are no longer meeting) outside of your session.
Additionally, non-student-athletes are NOT permitted to
attend tutorial appointments.
Tutorial Hours of Operation – Tutorial appointments can
occur at the following times:
Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm (zoom sessions only)
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-9:30pm
Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
When the University is closed, tutorial sessions do not occur.
It is your responsibility to arrive on time and be prepared for
all tutorial sessions. You must bring the appropriate course
text(s), notes, and other necessary materials each time that
you meet with your tutor. There is no cell phone use
(including text messaging), and the ringer must be turned off
for the entirety of the tutorial session. While on a computer,
you must be doing academic work (i.e., no social media,
emailing friends/family, other non-class related work, etc.).
You must notify the tutorial office, or Academic Coordinator on duty, if you are unable to locate
your tutor. To cancel or change a scheduled tutorial appointment, you must contact your Academic
Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance so that the necessary procedures may be followed.
Tutorial sessions that take place on Sunday and Monday must be cancelled by noon on Friday.
If you do not arrive within 5 minutes of your scheduled session, you will be charged a $10 late fee. If
you do not attend or cancel the session within the appropriate time frame, you will be charged a $15
fee. Your tutorial privileges will be revoked after your 4
th
late and/or no-show charge. You may
request reinstatement of your tutorial services by meeting with the Executive Director of SASS.
Late
No Show
1
st
Offense
$10.00 fee
$15.00 fee
2
nd
Offense
$10.00 fee
$15.00 fee
3
rd
Offense
$10.00 fee
$15.00 fee
4
th
Offense
$10.00 fee
$15.00 fee
All tutorial sessions will be
suspended.
It is your responsibility to check your MSU email account daily so that you are aware of new
appointments, cancellations, or changes. You may also access the information on
tms.sass.msu.edu. Not checking your email and missing an appointment will still result in a no-
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show charge of $15. These policies apply to all tutorial appointments, including group tutorial
appointments.
Tutorial services are to be considered a privilege, not a right. Hence, they can be suspended and
restored at the discretion of the Executive Director of SASS.
Fraternization with Tutors and Learning Assistants
Fraternization between tutors/learning assistants and student-athletes is strictly prohibited. You are
not allowed to associate with a tutor or learning assistant outside of your scheduled
appointments.
The following list is by no means all-encompassing, but does provide some examples:
▪ You are not allowed to be friends with your tutor/learning assistant on any type of social
media (Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok or any other social network).
▪ Arranging for interaction of any type (texting, emailing, socializing, etc.) between you and a
tutor/learning assistant is strictly forbidden even if it is for academic work. Please make
sure you go through your Academic Coordinator for any type of communication with a
tutor/learning assistant outside of your regularly
scheduled appointment.
▪ Tutors/learning assistants cannot provide any
kind of service to student-athletes: typing papers,
providing you with transportation, giving you
money of any denomination, buying you meals,
etc.
▪ You may not give a tutor complimentary
tickets. It is prohibited to offer or arrange to
receive payment or exchange/assign an item of
value, or barter for services for any of your
complimentary tickets.
▪ Although the NCAA rules state that on “special
occasions” you may accept a meal or
transportation from an MSU employee, this does
not apply to tutors/learning assistants. A
tutor/learning assistant may not ever, under any circumstances, host you in his/her home.
▪ If you have a pre-existing relationship (including social media connections) with a
tutor/learning assistant, you will not be scheduled with him/her in order to prevent a
conflict of interest.
▪ These rules apply even when class is not in session and when the person is no longer your
tutor.
Academic Integrity
Providing quality services while upholding the highest level of academic integrity is the number one
goal of Student-Athlete Support Services. As a representative of Michigan State Athletics, you are
expected to act with personal integrity at all times. You will sign a contract every time you meet with
a tutor/learning assistant saying that you did not receive assistance that would violate SASS, MSU,
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Big Ten, and NCAA rules. Punishment for violating these rules may be severe enough to be
ineligible for competition, expelled from school, and/or have the allegations on your permanent
record.
Do not risk punishment by joking with
tutors/learning assistants about doing your
work because they will have to report you.
NOBODY is ever allowed to work with a
tutor/learning assistant while taking an exam
or quiz. Likewise, you are not allowed to
complete exams or quizzes with another
student unless the instructor specifically
gives you permission to do so. These rules
apply to all courses whether they are taught
online or in the classroom setting. You are
expected to promote academic integrity
practices and follow all SASS, MSU, Big Ten
and NCAA rules, policies, and procedures.
Impermissible Actions
▪ You may not take exams or quizzes with tutors/learning assistants or any other students.
▪ You may not help someone while they take an exam or quiz.
▪ You may not copy answers (from students, websites, etc.).
▪ Do not let someone use your paper or copy your work.
▪ You may not steal or make up quotes or other information for a paper.
▪ You may not use anyone else’s words or ideas without citing the source.
▪ Tutors/learning assistants may not type and/or touch a computer/laptop while working
with a student-athlete.
▪ You may not turn in a paper for one class that you wrote for another class (without the
professor’s permission).
Possible Penalties
▪ Failing the assignment
▪ Failing the course
▪ Cheating on your permanent record
▪ Ineligible for competition immediately
▪ Loss of athletic financial aid immediately
▪ Dismissed from the team
▪ Dismissed from Michigan State University
▪ Unwanted media attention
▪ Required to complete an extensive academic integrity semester-long course in addition to
your other classes
Keep in mind that you are also at risk of punishment if you help someone commit an academically
impermissible act. Act with integrity at all times and talk to your Academic Coordinator if you have
any questions.
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Book Loan Procedure
(For students with book scholarship only)
The Student Book Store (SBS), located on Grand River Avenue, is the only bookstore where you are
authorized to check out books. You must present your MSU student ID at the book counter when
you check out your books at the beginning of the semester, and when you return them at the end of
the semester. Failure to do so will result in charges to your account and any holds that occur may
make you ineligible for next semester. If you drop a course during the semester, you must return
your books as soon as possible.
Book loan scholarship covers REQUIRED texts and supplies only as well as recommended items
that are noted on the course syllabus.
Approved purchases will be reimbursed. If you are
unable to purchase on your own, please see your
academic coordinator.
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions are NOT
covered by book scholarship.
If SBS does not have a book that is required for
your class, go to the student-athlete service desk,
and ask them to order it for you from another
bookstore. Do not purchase it yourself at another
bookstore, you will not be reimbursed (this
includes course packs). For online only purchase
items (Top Hat, ALEKS, Webworks, etc.;.) that
are required for a course you may purchase on
your own and submit your receipts and syllabus to
your Academic Coordinator. Compliance will
reimburse you for the required items on your MSUFCU Debit Card that you received from athletics
as long as receipts are submitted by the deadline each semester.
If a calculator is required for a course (per syllabus) you can check one out through your Academic
Coordinator. It must be returned to SASS by 5pm on the last day of finals. Failure to turn in the
calculator on time may result in your student account being charged for the cost of the calculator.
If your books are stolen, you must report the theft and file a police report within 24 hours. The
athletic department will not replace or reimburse for stolen books without the proper
documentation.
If you should lose your student ID, you will need to get a replacement card in order to pick up or
return your books. This can be done at the International Center in room 170. Your student account
will be charged for any replacement cards.
Books must be returned to SBS by the close of business on the last day of finals. Failure to do so
will result in a charge to your student account for the cost of the books.
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Travel to Away Competition
You are expected to attend class when not traveling.
According to the MSU's General Procedures &
Regulations, "There is no University wide regulation
requiring class attendance. However, attendance is
an essential and intrinsic element of the educational
process. In any course in which attendance is
necessary to the achievement of a clearly defined set
of course objectives, it may be a valid consideration
in determining the student's grade. It is the
responsibility of the instructor to define the policy
for attendance at the beginning of the course."
(Source: MSU Academic Programs)
An instructor is not under obligation to give you a
make-up assessment and/or assignment. In addition,
each instructor has the right to establish a class
attendance policy which should be expressed in the
course syllabus.
When you travel with your team and miss an
assignment, exam, quiz or participation points,
faculty are not required to allow you to make-up
those assessment opportunities.
It is your responsibility to inform faculty of your status as a student-athlete and request an
opportunity to make-up missed assessment opportunities due to team travel to away competitions.
To assist you with your responsibility, Student-Athlete Support Services will provide you with an
Intercollegiate Athletics Team Travel Letter that includes all potential travel dates (including the
possibility of NCAA Championship participation). Please see your Academic Coordinator for travel
letters. It is your responsibility to submit the letter (in person) to each instructor by the end of the
first week of classes of each term. In cases where you do not make the team's travel squad, it is
expected that you attend class.
iPad/Laptop Computer Checkout Policy
Student-Athlete Support Services has iPads and laptop computers available for use when traveling to
away competitions. All teams must adhere to the following policies:
▪ iPads or laptop computers are signed out by MSU coaching staff members or Academic
Coordinators only.
▪ iPads or laptop computers are returned to SASS within 24 hours of a team's return from an
away competition. However, if the team returns on Friday night or Saturday, they must be
returned the following Monday by 9:00 a.m.
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▪ There is a $25.00 a day charge for each day the iPad is not returned and a $10 a day charge
for laptops.
▪ The team using the iPad or laptop is financially responsible for any damage to the iPad or
laptop and/or loss of auxiliary equipment (i.e., power cord).
▪ The team using the iPad or laptop is financially responsible for replacement of the iPad or
laptop computer if it is lost, stolen or not repairable.
Headphone Checkout Policy
Headphones are available for checkout at the Smith Center front desk. If the headphones are not
returned, your student account will be charged $10.
Student-Athlete Development Program
Career Development
Career development is based on a three-part process
that consists of career exploration, career development,
and career placement. Some of the tools used to
accomplish this include:
KIN 171 – freshman transition and career exploration
course
Career Assessments & Major Selection Assistance
Workshops that address resume and cover letter
writing, interviewing skills, and networking
Career fairs in conjunction with the University’s Career
Services Network
Spartan Career Network – connecting student-athletes
with employers who are seeking individuals for full-time
jobs and internships
Student-Athlete Career Mixer
Career Office Hours (Resumes, LinkedIn, Cover
Letters, etc.)
MSU Connect - online career exploration, mentoring
and networking tool with MSU alumni
Community Service and Outreach: PACT Program
(Putting Athletes and Community Together)
The Community Outreach program allows you to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and
develop a sense of involvement that will stay with you throughout your life. Numerous outreach
opportunities are arranged by the Student-Athlete Development Program including:
Spartan Buddies – pediatric ward volunteers
Green Bandana Project – mental health awareness
Student-Athlete Food Drive
March is Reading Month – read to elementary age students
Teams for Toys – each team adopts a family, raises money, and purchases, wraps and delivers gifts
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Random Acts of Kindness Week
Shoot for a Cure – charity events to raise money to fight children’s cancer
Requested Outreach – various requests throughout the year such as DARE graduations, assembly
speakers, celebrity readers, etc.
Awards, Honors & Scholarships:
Postgraduate Scholarship Assistance (NCAA, B1G and MSU)
Spartan Academic Excellence Gala
Auto-Owners Champion in the Classroom
Student-Athlete of the Month
Leadership Development/Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) – Two
representatives are chosen from each team to serve on this committee. The group meets twice a
month to develop and improve the overall student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity and
leadership, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.
In addition, SASS provides a number of additional services, events and opportunities including:
Welcome Back Picnic
Graduation Open House
International Tax Clinic
Financial Literacy Workshops
Diversity and Leadership Committee
The Diversity & Leadership Committee (DLC) is a student-athlete led
group devoted to creating community for Spartans focused on racial,
ethnic, and cultural student-athletes. The DLC is committed to
informing student-athletes on social justice issues and opportunities to
engage locally and nationally. The DLC Leadership Team is a diverse
group of student-athlete leaders committed to advocacy, education
and fostering a sense community while also providing leadership
experiences within the athletics department and on campus. The
primary goals are to amplify and support the student-athlete voice and
perspective, increase the level of cultural and social awareness to
prepare student-athletes to succeed in a diverse society, and cultivate
student-athlete leaders equipped to discuss issues of racism, prejudice,
and discrimination. The committee provides a means of support to
assist student-athletes during their time at MSU.
Leadership opportunities are provided through the DLC. The DLC
Leadership Team organizes activities, events, and programs for
student-athletes that align with the committee’s core principles:
Engagement, Leadership, Social Justice Awareness, and Student-Athlete Unity. In addition to
meetings with the Athletic Director throughout the academic year, example activities include the
MSU Athletics Freshmen Kickoff, Movies With the DLC, Social Media and Pledge Campaigns,
Campus Conversations along with countless others. Additionally, the DLC collaborates with the
national organization R.I.S.E. (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality) to receive leadership training
and implement ideas. During the Annual Academic Excellence Gala, a banquet to honor high
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achieving student-athletes in academics, the Diversity and Leadership Award is presented to honor a
student-athlete who has provided exceptional service for the DLC and is a leader among student-
athletes.
For more information on the DLC, contact Elliott Daniels (Assoc. AD for Student-Athlete
Engagement) at 517-355-8506 or see him in the 1855 building.
Academic Awards
Academic All-America Teams
Twelve programs are selected for Academic All-America Teams: Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer,
Football, Volleyball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Men’s Track and
Field/Cross Country, Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country, and Men’s At-Large and Women’s
At-Large. At-Large bids consist of Field Hockey, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Gymnastics, Ice
Hockey, Rowing, Men’s Swimming, Women’s Swimming, and Wrestling. At-Large “nominations are
limited to four nominees per gender per school” (Academicallamerica.com). The criteria to be
nominated are:
▪ Must be a starter or important reserve that has participated in at least 50% of the team’s
games (pitchers must have pitched at least 10.0 innings)
▪ 3.30 cumulative grade point average
▪ Must have completed one full calendar year at current institution (includes transfers and grad
students)
▪ Must be a sophomore athletically
▪ Grad school nominees must have a 3.30 cumulative GPA in both undergraduate and
graduate school
▪ There is no limit to the number of students who may be nominated except At-Large bids
Academic All-Conference Team (Academic All-Big Ten) Criteria:
▪ Must be on a varsity team
▪ Must be in their second year at the institution
▪ Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Education Abroad Programs
Australia - Summer Sports Program Down Under and Sports & Culture
This description of the Summer Sports Program Down Under is
taken from the Education Abroad website. “Michigan State
University offers a unique educational opportunity for college
students who consider themselves athletes. The program defines
‘college athlete’ as anyone who currently participates on any
sanctioned university intramural sports team, any varsity student-
athlete (scholarship/walk-on) or any sports enthusiast who competed
in sports at the high school level. The program offers a solid rigorous
academic program together with high-level sports training and an
opportunity for integration with local Australian students.
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Students attend classes, study, train, and compete with Australians for four weeks in Australia. The
program fosters international competition and cross-cultural understanding. This program is four
weeks in length and is conducted in” two locations in Australia (Melbourne and Sydney) both
offering different cultural experiences.
For those student-athletes that cannot attend a four-week program, the Sports and Culture Program
is 2 ½ weeks in length. You will attend class, study, train and participate in many cultural excursions
along with the students in the Summer Sports Program Down Under.
All majors are welcome and a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
George Webster Memorial Scholarship
The George Webster Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 to help former scholarship
student-athletes return to MSU to complete their degree. To date, more than 40 students have
utilized the scholarship to complete their degree. George Webster was a standout football player at
MSU earning three letters from 1964-66. He was a first-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers and
once his professional playing days were over, he returned to MSU to finish his degree. To learn
more about George Webster and the scholarship named in his honor, visit
http://www.websterfund.org.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
Classification of Students
Michigan State University classifies students by the number of credits earned, as shown by the
following chart:
Credits earned Class
Less than 28 Freshman
28 – 55 Sophomore
56 – 87 Junior
More than 88 Senior
Repeating a Course
Undergraduate students may repeat a
course if a grade of 1.5 or lower is
received. Courses with a 2.0 or above,
CR or Pass may not be repeated. Up
to 20 credits may be repeated. When
a class is repeated, the most recent
grade replaces the previous attempts in credits and GPA. However, all attempts are listed on your
transcript.
Starting in the Spring semester of 2020, through Summer 2021, the University included S
(Satisfactory) and NS (Non-satisfactory) for grading. All S and NS grades are repeatable. These
classes will not count towards the 20-credit repeat limit.
19
Repeating a course affects your eligibility in different ways. See your Academic Coordinator if you
are considering a repeat.
Attending Another Institution
Courses may be taken at other institutions and transferred in while enrolled at Michigan State
University. Once the course is complete an official
transcript must be sent to MSU in order for the class to
count for graduation and eligibility. Effective Fall 2021,
anyone may take a class at a community college, not just
those students under 56 credits.
Students should meet with their major academic advisor
to make sure the class transfers. This information can
also be found at http://transfer.msu.edu/. All transfer
courses only transfer credits, the grade will not follow
you from the previous institution. “A minimum of 2.0
must be earned in each course in order for the credit to
be transferred to Michigan State University” (Spartan
Life Handbook).
Hold Policy
Holds can be placed on your account for a variety of reasons – financial, parking tickets,
immunization records. Failure to resolve holds may result in any of the following: you do not have
access to register for classes, make changes to your schedule, receive your diploma, send out
transcripts and various other administrative actions. In addition, your classes may be dropped. To
clear your hold, you must contact the department who has placed a hold on your account.
Registration Policies
Student-athletes have priority registration. This means that you will enroll on the first day possible of
enrollment. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this so that you may schedule the
correct classes for your major as well as times that do not conflict with practice. Your major advisor
can help you with your degree requirements while your SASS Academic Coordinator will help you
with the actual enrollment.
At the beginning of the semester, once you have been certified to practice and/or compete, your
schedule will be locked through the registrar’s office. In order to make any changes to your schedule
you must meet with your Academic Coordinator. This is for your protection so that you do not
accidentally make yourself ineligible by dropping or changing courses.
Changing Majors
Students under 55 credits change their major at one of the University Undergraduate Division
offices. For students living in the dorms, major changes occur in one of the engagement centers
listed below:
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Brody Engagement Center 160 Brody Hall, 884-6670
East Engagement Center C130 Hubbard Hall, 884-3501
North Engagement Center 200 Union Building, 884-4050
River Trail Engagement Center C101 E McDonel Hall, 884-4080
South Engagement Center C124 Holden Hall, 884-6680
Office hours are 8am-5pm.
You may also change your major online at www.nssc.msu.edu.
Students over 56 credits who wish to change their major should go to the Administrative Affairs
Office of the college that houses that particular major.
Immunizations
“Newly entering undergraduate students are required to
complete the Student Immunization Self-Report form,
whether or not they choose to follow the vaccination
recommendations. The form you complete provides the
University with needed information and confirms that you
had the opportunity to review the current immunization
recommendations from national health agencies for college
students. *Failure to complete the required form will
affect students' ability to register*”
(https:///immunize.msu.edu). To complete the form, go
to www.immunize.msu.edu.
Graduation and Commencement
All students must apply for graduation during the first
week of the semester that you plan to graduate. The
graduation application can be found online through the
registrar’s office website (www.reg.msu.edu).
Information about commencement is sent to students by the middle of the semester. Caps and
gowns are available at bookstores across campus. Diplomas will be sent approximately 4 weeks after
requirements have been completed and will be sent to the address that is listed as your official
address with the University. All holds must be cleared before a diploma is sent.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Academic Honesty
As stated in the Spartan Life Student Handbook and Resource Guide
(http://splife.studentlife.msu.edu/) “Academic honesty is central to the educational process and acts
of academic dishonesty are serious offenses within the University community. Suspension from the
University could be the consequence for acts of academic dishonesty.”
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“Students should be familiar with General Student Regulation 1.00 on Scholarship and Grades (see
section 1.00 'Protection of Scholarship and Grades' in the Spartan Life Handbook), and with the all-
University policy on Integrity of
Scholarship and Grades...In addition, it is
important that students clearly understand
that specific expectations of their
individual instructors with regard to this
important matter. The process for
adjudicating cases of academic dishonesty
is outlined in Section 2.4 of Academic
Freedom for Students at Michigan State
University." (Spartan Life Handbook)
Other sources of valuable information to
students are the Office of the
Ombudsman website
http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud, the Academic Programs Catalog (available online through the
Ombudsman's website) and the stuSource website http://www.stuSource.msu.edu.
Academic Conduct
In accepting admission to the University, you assume the responsibility of meeting not only athletic
obligations, but also those that come with being part of an academic community.
You are expected to:
▪ Acknowledge that earning an undergraduate degree is the primary goal of being a collegiate
athlete.
▪ Attend all classes except when traveling to represent the University in intercollegiate
competition.
▪ Be prepared for class and participate in class activities.
▪ Complete all academic assignments on time and take all course examinations.
▪ Meet with college academic advisors to seek approval for course registration and assistance
with procedures related to course schedule adjustments and academic matriculation.
▪ Attend SASS Academic Coordinator meetings, structured study and tutorial sessions as
scheduled.
▪ Maintain the status of full-time enrollment while giving genuine effort at obtaining an
undergraduate degree within four to six years of the time you first enrolled as a full-time
student in any college or university.
▪ Make satisfactory progress towards a degree as defined by your college, the Big Ten
Conference, and the NCAA.
▪ Maintain academic eligibility for practice and competition as defined by the University, the
Big Ten Conference, and the NCAA.
▪ Properly inform instructors, by the end of the first week of the fall and spring semesters, of
expected class absences due to travel to official MSU intercollegiate competitions.
▪ Abide by the Michigan State rules and regulations governing student conduct paying
particular attention to the code of academic integrity.
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Four Types of Academic Dishonesty:
Plagiarism - Using the work of another without giving proper citation of the source.
Cheating - The act of breaking stated rules.
Facilitation - Assisting another person in the act of academic dishonesty.
Falsification - Claiming the work of another as your own and/or fabricating information.
The consequences of academic fraud and dishonesty vary and may include a failing grade on the
assignment, a failing grade in the course or suspension from the University and a notation on your
permanent record.
Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct
MSU’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits all forms gender
discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence committed by
or against a member of the University community when the conduct occurs on campus or off-
campus in the context of University employment, education or research programs or activities,
including but not limited to MSU-sponsored education abroad, internships, graduate/professional
programs, intercollegiate athletics or
other affiliated programs; and/or the
conduct occurs off-campus outside the
context of a University program or
activity but has continuing adverse
effects on campus or in any University
program or activity.
Persons who report relationship violence
or sexual misconduct, or who participate
in the University's investigation and
handling of such reports, shall not be
subject to retaliation (including
retaliatory harassment) for reporting or
participating, even if the University finds that no relationship violence or sexual misconduct
occurred. The University will take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. Retaliation is
defined as an adverse action or adverse treatment against an individual involved in an investigation
by an individual who knew of the individual’s participation in the investigation.
All reports of alleged relationship violence or sexual misconduct are reviewed by the Office of
Institutional Equity (OIE) under the direction of the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for
Investigations. The University will take prompt, responsive action to support a claimant and will
take steps to eliminate, prevent or address a hostile environment if it determines that one exists.
For more detailed information on the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy,
including information on how to report incidents and available supportive services on-campus, visit
www.oie.msu.edu or call the Office of Institutional Equity at (517) 393-3922.
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Student-Athlete Conduct Policy
Student-athletes are high profile members of the Michigan State University (MSU) community. The
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) views students who meet the academic standards and
who have the athletic ability to participate in
intercollegiate competition through team membership, as
talented, dedicated representatives of MSU. Student-
athletes who have earned the privilege of representing
MSU in intercollegiate athletics are expected to uphold
high standards of personal conduct and are subject to all
team rules, as well as to general University rules and
regulations governing student conduct and discipline.
Any student-athlete who, while a member of an MSU
intercollegiate athletics team, is convicted of a felony
1
will
be suspended from the MSU intercollegiate athletics team
of which he or she is a member and thereby precluded
from participation in games and all other benefits related
to team membership.
2
The student-athlete may request an
exception to this rule. The President, upon
recommendation of the coach and after consultation with
the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Vice
President for Finance and Operations, may grant such an
exception.
A former student-athlete who has been suspended from the team may submit a written application
for reinstatement to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The application must include a
recommendation from the team’s coach supporting reinstatement of the former student-athlete.
After reviewing the recommendations of the coach and the advice of the Director of Intercollegiate
Athletics and the Vice President for Finance and Operations, the President shall decide whether to
grant or deny the application for reinstatement. If the President grants the application, the President
shall determine when and on what terms or conditions the former student-athlete will be reinstated.
Student-Athlete Behavior Standards
Student-athletes must remember that playing and competing for Michigan State University is a
privilege, not a right. As a student-athlete, you represent the University and you are expected to
portray yourself, your team, and the University in a positive manner at all times. Your behavior
1
Felonies are serious crimes. They usually involve conduct that creates a significant danger to the community. In most states, the
following types of crimes, among many others, are likely to be felonies: murder, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, the manufacture, sale
or other distribution of illegal drugs. Major thefts (auto theft, etc.), crimes committed with weapons, serious assaults and other violent
crimes, fraud, the possession of illegal drugs and sexual assaults are often felonies. Students who commit felonies but participate in
programs that may result in the removal of the felony conviction from their record, will not be considered to have committed a felony
for purposes of this policy unless the student-athlete violates a condition of the program, and the felony is entered permanently on the
student-athlete’s record.
2
These benefits include, for example, weight training and conditioning, training table meals, travel with the team, dressing for games,
practice with the team, athletic academic support services and athletic medical support services. Violation of this policy and
suspension from the team may also result in a non-renewal of the student-athlete’s athletics financial aid.
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creates an image that is a direct reflection on yourself, your team, and the University. It is expected
that student-athletes treat all members of the community with respect and civility.
Social Media
The Michigan State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (“Athletics Department”)
recognizes and supports its student-athletes’ rights to freedom of speech, expression and association,
including the use of social networks. The Athletics Department does not monitor student-athletes’
social media, administrators and coaches may conduct random checks of student-athlete social
media sites or when such sites are brought to their attention. Student-athletes are expected to
monitor their own sites and post only information and images that appropriately represent the
University to the public. All online postings must be consistent with federal and state laws, as well as
team, Athletics Department, University, and NCAA rules and policies, including the guidelines listed
below.
Guidelines:
If you participate on a social networking site, you should keep the following guidance in mind:
▪ Everything you post is public information – any text or photo placed online is
completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access
to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posters) may be
accessible even after you remove it.
▪ Use caution when adding someone or inviting someone to be a friend. Many individuals
are looking to take advantage of
students-athletes, to get close to
student-athletes to give themselves a
sense of membership or to gain
information about you, your
teammates, or your team for the
purposes of sports gambling or
negative publicity.
▪ Limit information about your
whereabouts or plans to minimize
the potential of being stalked,
assaulted or the victim of other
criminal activity.
▪ Remember that what you post may affect your future. Many employers and graduate
school admissions officers review social networking sites as part of their overall
evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you
before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures,
videos, comments, and posters).
Conduct Standards:
Student-athletes may not use social media sites to engage in conduct that would inappropriately
represent the University to the public. Examples of inappropriate conduct include:
▪ Posting photos, videos, comments, or posters showing underage drinking or personal use of
alcohol or tobacco (e.g., no holding cups of alcohol, beer cans, shot glasses, etc.).
25
▪ Posting photos, videos, and comments that are of an obscene or sexual nature. This includes
obscene gestures or links to websites of a pornographic or sexual nature.
▪ Posting pictures, videos, comments, or posters that condone drug related activity. This
includes, but is not limited to, images that portray the
personal use of marijuana or drug paraphernalia.
▪ Using inappropriate or offensive language in comments,
videos, and other postings. This includes threats of
violence and derogatory comments about race and/or
gender.
▪ Making comments about team activities (e.g., practice,
games, or travel) or making comments about an
opponent.
Recommendations:
For your own safety, please keep the following
recommendations in mind as you participate in social
networking websites:
▪ Set your security settings so that only your friends can
view your profile.
▪ Do not post your email, home address, local address,
telephone number(s) or other personal information online because it could lead to unwanted
attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.
▪ Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take
advantage of student-athletes or to seek connections with student-athletes.
▪ Consider how the above behaviors can be reflected in all social media applications.
University Non-Hazing Statement of Policy
Hazing is not tolerated at Michigan State University. Any acts of hazing are prohibited, and it is a
violation of Section 750.41H of the Michigan Penal Code, punishable by imprisonment, fine or
both.
Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the
positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or
anxieties; and/or demeans, degrades, or disgraces any person regardless of location, intent, or
consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or
unintentionally endangers a student for admission to or affiliation with any team.
For more information concerning hazing policies at Michigan State University, contact:
Intercollegiate Athletics Department of Student Life
550 S. Harrison Road 101 Student Services Building
East Lansing, MI 48823 East Lansing, MI 48824
517-355-9710 517-355-8286
26
STUDENT-ATHLETES AND FINANCIAL AID POLICIES
Athletic Scholarships
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics provides scholarships in 23 sports. The head coach of
each sport determines the amount of scholarship a student-athlete receives. A full scholarship covers
tuition and fees, room (double room only), board (platinum meal plan), books, and other expenses
related to attendance at MSU up to the cost of attendance.
Partial scholarships cover a percentage of these expenses.
Athletic scholarships do not cover other fees such as parking
tickets, missed tutorials, bus passes, etc. Scholarships are
reviewed and renewed annually based upon Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics, MSU, Big Ten, and NCAA policies.
Athletic scholarships awarded to international student-athletes
are subject to withholding of U.S. Federal income tax (state
and federal tax). Tuition, fees, and books are not subject to
the tax; however, other items such as room, board and other
expenses related to attendance at MSU up to the cost of
attendance are taxable. These items are taxed approximately at
20% and will be billed to the student-athlete via their student
account. These charges are the responsibility of the student-
athlete. For more information regarding tax assistance
available to international students, visit the Office for
International Student and Scholars website at
oiss.isp.msu.edu.
MSU may choose to award you a scholarship for summer school, but the Department is not
obligated to do so. Summer session policies and procedures can be found on the following pages
and at www.sass.msu.edu.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Compliance Services (OCS) with any questions
regarding your athletics grant-in-aid. Student-athletes should contact the OCS at (517) 432-5510.
Maximum Credits Covered
An athletic scholarship will cover up to 10-degree applicable credits over the required amount to
graduate.
Renewal of Athletic Scholarships
Notification of renewals, reductions, and non-renewals will be sent to athletics scholarship recipients
no later than July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective.
Education Abroad
Summer school aid cannot be used for Education Abroad programs, with the exception of the
Summer Sports Program Down Under (Australia). These programs must be approved by the
Executive Director of SASS.
27
Summer School Policy
The summer school policies are subject to change at any time. Please see your Academic
Coordinator for the most current information.
Sixth Year Teacher Education
All athletic scholarship student-athletes who are required to
complete a sixth year of student teaching can only apply their
equivalency to tuition, fees, and books. Room and board are
excluded.
Paying Your Bill
Bills are only available electronically on the Student
Information System (SIS). Students will need their MSU Net
ID and password to access SIS. Students can also authorize
their parents/guardians to view their bills through SIS by
granting guest access.
Once a student logs in to their account, you are able to see all
charges and fees, updates to your account and due dates.
Student-athletes are responsible for paying all charges not
covered by their athletics scholarship (e.g., missed tutorials, late
fees, parking tickets, freshman book, Spartan Cash). Failure to
pay your bill on time may result in a hold being placed on your
student account. For students on full scholarship where no money is due, you must confirm your
attendance through SIS.
In addition to being able to view and pay your bill on SIS, you will have the ability to accept and
decline loans for the academic year and set up direct deposit for any refunds you may receive.
Bills are produced on the 20
th
of the month and due on the 1
st
of the next month.
NCAA Special Assistance Fund
Student-athletes must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
(www.fafsa.ed.gov) each year in order for the Office of Financial Aid to determine whether the
student-athlete is eligible for clothing expenses through the Special Assistance Fund. Pell-eligible
student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in their initial year of residence), student-athletes who have
demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid or an international
student-athlete who has been certified by the Office of Financial Aid as having financial need are
eligible to apply for these funds.
To apply for the NCAA Special Assistance Fund or for additional information, please contact Holly
Lawson in the OCS at 517-884-8897.
28
Housing
Off-campus housing and arrangements are subject to approval by your head coach. If you wish to
live in on-campus housing, you must inform your coach no later than January 1st for the following
fall semester. If you wish to live in 1855 you must inform your coach no later than October 1st for
the following fall semester.
Parking
All vehicles operated or parked on MSU
property by MSU students must be
registered with the MSU Parking Office.
Student-athletes are responsible for
obtaining the student permit and the
special parking pass. The special parking
pass will grant you access to the back
lot of Jenison Field House or other
department buildings. The charge is
direct billed to the athletic department
by the parking office.
Mopeds must be parked in designated parking spaces. Parking on sidewalks and near buildings may
result in your moped being towed.
All parking tickets you receive are your responsibility and can result in a hold being placed on your
student account if not paid.
COMPLIANCE
Ethical Conduct
As an MSU student-athlete, you must compete with honesty and sportsmanship at all times and
represent the honor and dignity of fair play. You will become ineligible if, during your time as a
student-athlete, you show dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA legislation.
Unethical conduct by a prospective or currently enrolled student-athlete or a current or former staff
member may include, but is not limited to, the following:
▪ Refusal to furnish information relevant to an investigation of a possible violation of an
NCAA regulation when requested to do so by the NCAA or MSU;
▪ Knowing involvement in offering or providing a prospective or enrolled student-athlete an
improper inducement or extra benefit or improper financial aid;
▪ Knowingly furnishing or knowingly influencing others to furnish the NCAA or MSU false
or misleading information concerning an individual’s involvement in or knowledge of
matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation;
29
▪ Receipt of benefits by an institutional staff member for facilitating or arranging a meeting
between a student-athlete and an agent, financial advisor or a representative of an agent or
advisor (e.g., “runner”);
▪ Knowing involvement in providing a banned
substance or impermissible supplement to student-
athletes, or knowingly providing medications to
student-athletes contrary to medical licensure,
commonly accepted standards of care in sports
medicine practice, or state and federal law. This
provision does not apply to banned substances for
which the student-athlete has received a medical
exception per NCAA legislation; however, the
substance must be provided in accordance with
medical licensure, commonly accepted standards of
care and state or federal law;
▪ Engaging in any athletics competition under an
assumed name or with intent to otherwise deceive; or
▪ Failure to provide complete and accurate information
to the NCAA, the Eligibility Center or MSU’s
athletics department regarding an individual’s
amateur status.
Boosters and Extra Benefits
An extra benefit is any special arrangement by a university employee or a representative of MSU's
athletics interests (booster) to provide you (or your family members or friends) a benefit not
expressly permitted by NCAA rules. A benefit provided to you by a booster is not permissible if it is
based on your status as a student-athlete or a benefit not available to all MSU students generally.
Accepting an item determined to be an extra benefit will directly affect your eligibility for
competition.
Examples of extra benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: the use of an automobile,
receipt of cash, gift certificates or gift cards; free or reduced-cost goods or services; and free or
reduced-cost housing, entertainment, and meals.
Complimentary Admissions
As a student-athlete you are eligible to receive a maximum of four complimentary admissions to
each regular season home competition in the sport in which you participate and away competitions
if you are traveling. All tickets are to be used for your friends and family only and your guests must
provide proper identification to receive the tickets. It is impermissible for you or your guests to sell
or exchange your complimentary admissions for money or any item of value. Doing so is a violation
and will affect your eligibility.
30
As a student-athlete, you are eligible to receive one
complimentary admission for each MSU home game in a
sport other than your own. The ticket is for your use only
and cannot be used by anyone else. You must request your
ticket on ARMS prior to the deadline established for the
specific game. If you sign up for a ticket and do not use the
ticket, your ticket privileges may be revoked.
Student-Athlete Employment
NCAA legislation does not limit the amount of income that
a student-athlete may earn from outside employment,
provided:
▪ The student-athlete is not compensated for any
added value or utility his/her employer gains because
of the student-athlete’s athletic ability, fame, or
reputation.
▪ The student-athlete is compensated only for work
actually performed.
▪ The student-athlete is compensated at a rate equal to the going rate in that locality for similar
services.
▪ ALL employment that takes place during the academic year and summer vacation period
must be reported to the Office of Compliance Services and documented on Front Rush.
Agents and Amateurism
In general, NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes with eligibility remaining from entering into any
agreement, written or verbal, to be represented by a sports agent. Such an agreement is prohibited
even if it will not become effective until after eligibility is exhausted. Please note: If you enter into
any kind of agreement to compete in professional athletics, either verbally or in writing, you shall be
ineligible for participation in any intercollegiate sport, regardless of the legal enforceability of that
agreement. Further, you (or your family members or friends) are prohibited from accepting any
benefits or gifts from sports agents. Acceptance of such gifts could result in a permanent loss of
eligibility.
Sports Wagering
At MSU, a zero-tolerance policy is in place with regard to participation in sports wagering activities
prohibited by the NCAA. A student-athlete found in violation of NCAA sports wagering legislation
will not only be subject to the removal of all athletically related financial aid but will also be subject
to a loss of eligibility.
A wager is any agreement in which an individual or entity agrees to give up an item of value (e.g.,
cash, shirt, dinner) in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. Sports wagering
includes placing, accepting, or soliciting a wager on:
▪ The prohibition against sports wagering applies to any institutional practice or any
competition (intercollegiate, amateur, or professional) in a sport in which the NCAA
31
conducts championship competition, in bowl subdivision football, and in emerging sports
for women;
▪ Betting pools such as March Madness brackets or Super Bowl squares, including pools
organized by family members or friends;
▪ Internet gambling including fantasy leagues, online bets, and betting apps; or
▪ Daily fantasy leagues such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and FantasyDraft.
▪ In addition, it is impermissible to share or provide information (e.g., team discipline, new
plays, team morale, injuries, etc.) with individuals who may use the information for gambling
purposes.
A student-athlete who engages in any activity designed to influence the outcome of an intercollegiate
contest or in an effort to affect win-loss margins (“point shaving”) or who participates in any sports
wagering activity involving MSU will permanently lose eligibility in all sports. A student-athlete who
participates in any sports wagering activity through the Internet, a bookmaker or a parlay card shall
be ineligible for competition for a minimum
of one year and will lose a minimum of one
season of eligibility. In addition, when a
student-athlete receives winnings associated
with any sports wagering activity, the student-
athlete must make repayment of full value
received.
Playing and Practice Seasons
NCAA rules set daily and weekly limits on the
amount of time in which you may engage in required and countable athletically related activities.
These limits are as follows:
▪ When a team is "in-season", you may be required to participate in no more than four hours
per day and twenty hours per week of countable activities, which include strength and
conditioning, practice, competition, film review, and team meetings. One day per week must
be free from all required and countable athletically related activities.
▪ When a team is "out-of-season", you may be required to participate in no more than eight
hours of countable activities which include strength training and conditioning and skill
instruction, with no more than two hours of skill instruction (in sports other than football).
Two days per week must be free from all required and countable athletically related activities.
Unattached Competition
Big Ten Conference rules require you to receive written permission from the Office of Compliance
Services prior to competing unattached. Please check with your coach prior to participating in any
unattached competition.
Charitable, Institutional, and Promotional Activities
As a student-athlete at MSU you may be asked to participate in a promotional activity through the
Student-Athlete Development Program. Sometimes you may be contacted directly by outside
entities requesting your involvement in a promotional activity. It is important to note that if an
32
outside entity contacts you directly, you must receive permission from the Office of Compliance
Services and the Director of Student-Athlete Development, PRIOR to participating in the event.
Failure to get permission prior to participating in the event may result in an NCAA violation.
If you are approved to participate in a promotional activity, please keep the following in mind:
▪ You cannot miss class to participate in an activity…no exceptions!
▪ You may accept actual and necessary expenses related to your participation in the
promotional activity. It is NOT permissible to accept any payment (e.g., cash, gift card) for
your participation in a promotional activity.
▪ Your name, picture or appearance cannot be used to promote any commercial activity
associated with the event.
▪ The activity must be hosted by either an educational, charitable, non-profit, or institutional
(MSU related) organization.
▪ The specific activity or project may not have any commercial co-sponsorship (e.g., American
Cancer Society Relay for Life = permissible…McDonald’s presents the American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life = impermissible).
▪ Any monies derived from the activity must go directly to the organization sponsoring the
event.
It is not permissible for you to accept any payment for or permit the use of your name or picture to
advertise, recommend or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any
kind. In addition, it is not permissible to receive payment for endorsing a commercial product or
service through your use of a commercial product or service. Participating in any of the prohibited
activities will jeopardize your eligibility for
participation in intercollegiate athletics.
Official Visits
MSU Student-Athlete Recruitment Policy
MSU operates its recruiting activities in
accordance with applicable NCAA and Big
Ten regulations and is committed to the
highest standards of conduct in the
recruitment of future student-athletes at
Michigan State University. MSU strives to
recruit prospective student-athletes of
integrity who will be successful
academically and athletically during their time at MSU. This policy is designed to:
▪ Clarify procedures and expectations relative to a recruit’s official visit;
▪ Specify host, recruit, and head coach responsibilities relating to official visits;
▪ Emphasize appropriate behavior and activities during official visits; and
▪ Establish educational procedures in support of enhanced recruiting standards.
Official Visit Procedures
▪ Only current student-athletes may serve as a host during a prospect’s official visit.
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▪ Student-athletes designated as a host must sign the appropriate paperwork with the Office of
Compliance Services prior to the start of the official visit. Failure to do so will result in host
money being removed from your account.
▪ Host money will be put on the student-athlete’s per diem/debit card prior to the start of the
official visit.
▪ Participation in any inappropriate, unethical, or illegal activity is strictly prohibited. The
following are examples of prohibited activities. This list is not exhaustive.
o Visiting an adult entertainment establishment;
o Providing or consuming alcoholic beverages;
o Engaging or using an escort, escort service or similar service;
o Providing adult entertainment;
o Distributing or consuming illegal drugs or someone else’s prescription drugs;
o Gambling or gambling-related activities; and
o Going more than 30-miles from campus.
Oversight and Enforcement
Violations of this policy by a student-athlete and/or coach will result in a meeting with the sport
supervisor and the Athletics Director to review the facts surrounding the alleged incident. The
University will take the appropriate corrective action.
Transfer Policy
Student-athletes may not contact another NCAA Division I institution, directly or indirectly, without
first obtaining authorization through the notification of transfer process. Before making contact,
directly or indirectly, with a Division II, Division III, or NAIA institution, student-athletes must be
entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal. A
student-athlete may initiate the transfer
process by providing the Office of
Compliance Services with a written
notification of transfer at any time. The
form will be available in the Office of
Compliance Services. The Office of
Compliance Services will enter the
student-athlete’s information into the
national transfer database within two
business days of receipt of written
notification of transfer from the student-
athlete. The student-athlete must indicate
whether or not they wish to be contacted
by other institutions and must provide signed consent before any education records are released to
other institutions.
Once the student-athlete initiates the transfer process, he or she will receive a description of services
and benefits that will or will not be provided to the student-athlete including any impact to the
individual’s athletics aid for subsequent terms. Affected services and benefits include team
participation; athletics aid; equipment and gear; facility usage; academic support services; and athletic
training services.
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Name, Image and Likeness
A name, image, and likeness activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness
for promotional purposes and includes any situation in which a student-athlete’s name, image,
likeness, or personal appearance is used for promotional purposes by a noninstitutional entity,
including the individual student-athlete, a commercial entity, or a non-institutional nonprofit or
charitable entity. Such use may be
compensated or uncompensated.
State, federal, and NCAA name,
image, and likeness legislation is
constantly evolving. Prior to
participating in any name, image, or
likeness activity, it is important to
contact the Office of Compliance
Services to ensure compliance with all
applicable legislation. Failure to follow
state, federal, and/or NCAA
legislation may result in an NCAA violation and impact eligibility for intercollegiate athletics.
Reporting Rules Violations
It is important that every MSU student-athlete understand, respect, and support the University’s
commitment to rules compliance. In an effort to assist you in understanding NCAA rules, all
student-athletes receive monthly e-mail reminders and updates concerning NCAA rules and
regulations. It is your responsibility to consult with MSU’s Office of Compliance Services before
participating in an action that could result in a rules violation. Likewise, it is your duty to
immediately report all violations and potential violations, no matter how minor they may appear to
be, to the Office of Compliance Services.
Remember: Always Ask Before You Act!
Office of Compliance Services
550 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 432-5510
Twitter and Instagram: @ComplianceMSU
PERFORMANCE, FACILITIES, AND MEDIA
Strength and Conditioning
Athletic Performance
MSU facilities are provided with the staff and the equipment necessary to give you the opportunity
to compete at the highest possible level. Safety is our number one priority in these facilities. The
following policies reflect these concerns.
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Supervision
All student-athletes are supervised by certified Athletic Performance staff during all scheduled
workout sessions. All workouts shall be created, implemented, and supervised by certified Athletic
Performance staff. Workout plans designed by a sport coach must be done in collaboration with a
certified Athletic Performance staff member.
In facilities where there is no full-time Athletic Performance staff present it is the expectation that
the student-athlete follow the posted safety rules while using the space. By accessing the swipe card
system, the student-athlete acknowledges the risk involved in using the equipment without
supervision. Sport coaches shall not assign workouts for student-athlete use in these facilities.
Facility Rules
The following rules will be enforced over all users of Athletic Performance facilities. The intent of these protocols is to
provide guidelines for conduct, behavior, and safety in order to direct the Athletic Performance program toward the goal
of providing a safe, clean, and professional training environment.
1. Safety: The primary objective within all facilities is safety.
• Never use equipment unless you are knowledgeable on its proper usage.
• Any student-athlete who experiences any type of physical difficulty before, during, or
after a workout, should immediately report it to the strength coach.
• Spotting: All student-athletes must train with,
and be spotted by, at least one partner unless
otherwise directed by the strength coach.
• Safety clips are to be used at all times on the
barbells.
• All medical issues shall be immediately
referred to the Michigan State University
sports medicine staff. For emergencies call
9-1-1.
2. Behavior:
• Use appropriate language and treat others
with respect at all times.
• Athletes are to maintain a serious, business-
like demeanor in the weight room.
• Spitting on the floor or in the water fountains
is prohibited.
• The equipment is designed for hard work. Do not use it as a rest area.
• Problems of any kind should be referred to the staff member in charge at the time.
If problems cannot be solved by the staff member, problems should be brought to
the Director of Athletic Performance/Sports Science and then to the Executive
Associate Athletic Director for Student Services. Immediately report any facility-
related injury or facility/equipment irregularity to the supervisor(s) on duty.
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3. Access and Schedules:
• Usage: Varsity teams have preferential use of all space and equipment. MSU
Athletics’ staff and former MSU student-athletes may use the varsity weight rooms at
pre-determined and designated times. All facility users (athletic staff members,
former athletes, and student employees) must have a signed waiver on file with the
strength and conditioning staff.
• Supervision: No student-athletes (current or former) are permitted in the facility
without a strength and conditioning staff member present. In facilities where there is
no full-time strength coach present it is the expectation that the student-athlete
follow the posted safety rules while using the space. By accessing the swipe card
system, the student-athlete acknowledges the risk involved in using the equipment
without supervision.
• Hours of operation: Set at the discretion of the strength and conditioning staff,
facility hours will be posted in several areas.
• Punctuality and Reservations: Training sessions will start on time. Student-athletes
are to be ready to begin training precisely at the scheduled time.
• Excused Sessions: A sport coach, athletic trainer, physician, or academic
coordinators are the only people who may excuse student-athletes from a lift or
conditioning session.
4. Dress:
• Only appropriate Spartan attire may
be worn in the weight room.
• Hats and non-team issued apparel are
not permitted.
• Athletic shoes are required and must
be clean and tied.
5. Equipment storage and maintenance:
• All weight room equipment is to be
returned to its place of origin
immediately following use (not at the
end of the workout). This includes
dumbbells, plates, sandbags, curl bars,
belts, etc.
• Do not place dumbbells on top of other dumbbells or on the benches. Dumbbells
are to be placed gently (not dropped) on to the floor.
• All sweat left behind on any equipment, handles, and/or floor is to be wiped clean
with the antibacterial disinfectant.
• Please do not put your feet on benches in order to protect the upholstery.
• Please place used towels in the proper laundry bin following use.
6. Post-Workout Nutrition Products: All drinks/bars are to be handed-out by the
supervising coaches. Please recycle bottles…Stay Green!
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7. Staff area: Offices, desks, storage rooms, telephones, computers, refrigerator, and sound
system are off limits, unless given permission.
8. Student-Athletes’ Personal Music Players are only permitted in the cardio area.
Headphones are not to be worn while strength training.
9. Banned Items: Cell phones, jewelry, tobacco, food, glass bottles, cans, and ice bags are not allowed in
the weight room. However, plastic water bottles are permitted.
10. Lost or Stolen Items: The Athletic Performance staff is not responsible for lost or stolen
items. Stealing anything from the facilities will result in immediate and appropriate
consequences. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of each semester.
Enforcement
The Athletic Performance staff will enforce weight room rules. Violations of these rules will be dealt
with at the discretion of the supervising Athletic Performance staff member.
Student-Athlete Expectation
In Athletic Performance, each student-athlete is expected to strive for continuous progress and
enhanced performance potential.
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
Chaperones - MSU Health Team is committed to providing a safe place for patients to receive care.
Patients are entitled to have a chaperone (informal or formal) present for any consultation,
examination, treatment, or procedure where the patient considers it necessary. All providers are entitled
to have a formal chaperone present at their discretion. Chaperones may be formal or informal, as
identified in the Process. Formal chaperones are required for sensitive exams, treatments or
procedures.
Physical examinations/clearances - All new
students must have a physical examination by an
MSU Team Physician before any athletic
participation. Physical examinations will be done at
the direction of the athletic training staff. Student-
athletes requiring diagnostic testing, such as x-rays,
laboratory testing, etc., for the purposes of
determining medical fitness, may be responsible for
the billing of those services. No equipment or
lockers will be assigned until you complete all
requirements of the physical examination. Returning
MSU student-athletes will complete a "Returning
Health Questionnaire" and will indicate any new or
ongoing problems that may require physician
intervention or clearance.
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Sickle Cell Testing - The NCAA has recommended that all athletes be tested for Sickle Cell or sign a
waiver for testing of Sickle Cell. Sickle Cell is a genetic change in the blood’s hemoglobin that may
cause a serious medical condition of rhabdomyolysis or death. No student-athletes will be cleared for
participation until either they have been tested with known results, provide known results of Sickle Cell
Testing from birth, or sign a waiver for testing of Sickle Cell.
Medical Insurance - As permitted by NCAA regulations, MSU provides secondary medical coverage
for all injuries or illnesses sustained as a result of Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA)
directed practices, competitions, conditioning sessions and team travel. Coordination of benefits will
utilize the parent's or student-athlete's own health insurance as the primary payment. The DIA may not
pay for treatment that has not received pre-authorization from the athletic training staff. Your
insurance information must be on file with the DIA prior to your participation in any practice or
competition. MSU and the NCAA does provide catastrophic coverage for all student-athletic injuries
related to DIA participation.
Medical responsibility to student-athlete upon end of athletic participation - At the end of your
participation in intercollegiate athletics at MSU, if you have any continuing athletics-related medical
problem, you will receive care only authorized by the MSU athletic training staff. If you are injured and
transfer to another school and participate in athletics or if you begin a professional athletic career, MSU
will, at the time of such participation, be released from any financial responsibility for prior athletic-
related injuries or illness to you.
Reporting of injuries and illnesses - All
illnesses and injuries (including dental
injuries) resulting from athletic participation,
which includes Department of Intercollegiate
Athletics directed practices, competitions,
conditioning sessions and team travel, must
be reported as soon as possible to the
athletic training staff. All concussions should
be reported immediately. In addition, all
medications, especially those for ADHD and
ADD, need to be reported to your athletic
trainer. Non-athletic injuries and illness
should also be reported to the athletic training staff, since the injury or illness may affect future
treatment(s) for athletic injuries and/or your ability to participate.
Emergency room/urgent care facility use - In cases of life threatening illness or injury, you should
not hesitate to dial 911 or proceed directly to the hospital. In case of non-life threatening illness or
injury, you should contact the athletic training staff who may then refer you to an area hospital. If the
athletic training staff cannot be contacted, you may proceed to the urgent care/ hospital and inform the
staff athletic trainer as soon as possible thereafter. If an acute care situation develops out of an athletic
competition while an MSU varsity team is on the road, the athletic trainer should provide medical
insurance information and a "Pre-authorization for Medical Services" form to the medical care facility.
If your condition is not related to athletic participation, the coverage is your responsibility and/or your
own insurance carrier.
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Transportation of injured student-athletes on campus - Following surgery or an injury, if you are
hindered in your ability to get to class, a handicap parking permit, close proximity parking pass,
handicap bus pass or student bus pass may be ordered for you by the staff athletic trainer. All student-
athletes who have their own car must first have it registered with the Department of Police and Public
Safety.
Transportation of injured student-athletes on the road - If you are injured while on the road, the
athletic trainer (or head coach in situations where there may be no athletic trainer traveling with a team)
will consult with a doctor, head athletic trainer, head coach, sport administrator and your parents (if
necessary) regarding the available options for returning you to East Lansing. Should you need to travel
before or after the team has returned to East Lansing, arrangements must be made to ensure that you
have the level of staff attention necessary to transport you safely. Not all injuries will necessitate having
a staff member or staff athletic trainer travel with you when injured.
Referral and consultations - Student-athletes requiring consultation from a specialist, or in need of
special diagnosing studies, will be referred by the team
physician to an appropriate medical provider. If you
choose to go "outside" of the MSU Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics medical providers without pre-
authorization, you assume the full responsibility for
medical costs.
Adjunct therapies - All adjunct therapies (acupuncture,
massage therapy, etc.) must be arranged through the
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Sports Medicine
Staff to determine they are medically necessary by a team
physician and staff athletic trainer in order for any
treatment to be paid by the Department of Intercollegiate
Athletics. Adjunct therapies that are requested by a coach
but are not considered to be medically necessary must
have the prior approval of the team physician or staff
athletic trainer and must comply with NCAA rules and
regulations. Such services will be paid for from the
specific sport's budget.
Psychological Services - Those who desire to speak to mental health professionals have a few
options. You may discuss with your athletic trainer or team physician who will refer you to one of our
mental health professionals. The Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is available on campus for
all students.
Release of student-athlete medical records - The release of student-athlete medical records will be
done upon written permission from the student-athlete. The records will be released to administrators,
investigators, professional athletic teams, scouting representatives or any other non-medical personnel
with the student-athletes written permission.
Prescription and non-prescription drugs - Prescription medications will be prescribed by a team
physician. Team physicians will inform you of medical concerns and NCAA rules regarding the use of
medication.
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Scientific studies involving student-athletes - The athletic training staff will participate whenever
possible in legitimate injury surveys and studies. To protect you from poorly designed studies and to
avoid the exploitation of MSU athletes, all requests for involving student-athletes in studies must be
submitted to the Director of Sports Medicine, Director of Athletic Medicine, and the Head Athletic
Trainer for approval. Under no circumstances may coaches or other staff members unilaterally agree to
allow their student-athletes to participate in any type of study.
Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Testing Program
The overall goal of Michigan State University’s Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Program is to
promote a year-round drug free environment in the MSU athletic program. The 12-month program
focuses on three concerns to ensure your health. One focus is on substances commonly believed to be
“performance enhancing” drugs. The second focus is on the use of “socially used drugs.” The third
focus is on the consumption of alcohol.
The MSU protocol for drug testing is designed to be fair, to achieve reliable test results and to protect
your privacy rights. Test results are confidential and become a part of your medical record.
Educational Component
There are two facets to the educational program:
▪ Explanation of MSU’s drug education and testing program to student-athlete and others.
▪ Dissemination of information to student-athletes and those associated with athletic teams
regarding drugs and alcohol, their use and abuse and how such use or abuse may affect the
student-athlete and his/her team and teammates.
A copy of the program is available at the
time of your annual team certification
meeting. If you fail to submit to drug
testing as provided in this policy, after
initially consenting to such testing, you
shall be considered to have made a
decision not to participate in the program
and will be immediately eliminated from
all athletic activity and will result in loss of
your athletic scholarship in aid.
Counseling Component
The purpose of the alcohol and other
drug counseling component is to provide
assistance, direction and resources for student-athletes who need additional support as a result of
positive tests, physician referral or self-addressed needs. This component seeks to provide appropriate
follow-up and rehabilitation of student-athletes testing positive while addressing their psychological,
social and medical well-being.
Drug Testing Component
Random drug screening – The testing selection is random. A computerized system or similar
mechanism may be used to ensure that all student-athletes are equally eligible for testing. For those
sports in which a given substance is more likely to be abused, a participating student-athlete will be
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more likely to be tested. Regardless of test results, random drug test results will be conducted on an
unannounced basis throughout the calendar year.
Drug testing based on reasonable suspicion – Reasonable suspicion is defined as one founded on
specific objective facts, which if taken with rational inferences drawn from those facts and taken as a
whole strongly suggest that drug and alcohol testing may produce evidence of unwanted use. The
evidence supporting the suspicion must be reasonably reliable, documented and clearly outlined.
The team physician will notify you of a positive result. The team physician will notify the athletic
director, head coach, intervention counselor and athletic trainer of your positive test result. You will be
given an opportunity to rebut or explain the results prior to imposition of any sanction or required
treatment or counseling program.
Appeals
You may appeal any sanction as the result of a positive drug test result. A student-athlete desiring to
appeal must file a written notice of appeal with the head team physician or designee, within three days
of notification of a positive test result.
Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy
Michigan State University (the “University”) is committed to eliminating harmful exposure to smoke,
tobacco, and environmental tobacco byproducts and adopts the following smoke and tobacco-free
policy.
• No person shall (a) smoke, or (b)
otherwise use any product derived
from or containing tobacco, on any
property governed by the Board of
Trustees of Michigan State University.
Ordinance 29.01.
• Products derived from or containing
tobacco may not be sold on any
property governed by the Board.
Ordinance 29.02.
• No person shall (a) smoke, or (b)
otherwise use any product derived
from or containing tobacco, in any
vehicle owned or leased by the University.
• Notwithstanding the foregoing, all FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products are
permitted when used for the purpose of cessation. Other exceptions to this policy may be
authorized by the Secretary of the Board pursuant to guidelines issued by the Secretary of the
Board. Ordinance 29.04.
Alcohol Policy
All students attending Michigan State University are responsible for abiding by the State of Michigan
civil and criminal laws regarding alcohol possession and use. The laws of the State of Michigan set the
minimum age of 21 for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Those who are of the
minimum age or older are prohibited from selling or providing alcoholic beverages to those who are
under 21.
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The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics does not condone the illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol
under any circumstances. If you are legally of age to consume alcoholic beverages, you are expected to
do so responsibly understanding the risks associated with alcohol use and abuse.
Should you be suspected of consuming alcohol prior to a practice or competition, a breathalyzer test
will be performed. If the test is positive, .02 or greater, you will be immediately withheld from practice
or competition and referred to the team physician and substance abuse counselor for assessment.
The athletic training staff is here to assist you with alcohol related problems, to specify treatment for
any student-athlete experiencing alcohol related problems and to provide a uniform policy for all
student-athletes.
If you have a Minor in Possession or alcohol related incident, you must report it to the Head Athletic
Trainer. See the Drug and Alcohol policy for consequences of positive drug tests.
Concussion Policy
In accordance to the Big Ten concussion management policy, Michigan State University acknowledges
the importance of a comprehensive and carefully measured approach to treating concussions. Each
concussion is recognized as a unique injury and individual concussion management, consideration of
each student-athletes complete medical history and close physician involvement will be utilized.
Concussion Policy Management Guidelines
MSU student-athletes will undergo baseline neurocognitive testing using instruments and protocols
approved by the head athletic trainer and the Director of Athletic Medicine. Current testing includes
the computerized IMPACT testing system and balance testing.
Prior to each academic year, all student-
athletes, coaches, appropriate additional staff,
staff athletic trainers and team physicians will
be presented information on appropriate
reporting of head injuries to medical
personnel. As part of this education process,
each participant will complete the education
forms provided by the Big Ten conference.
In the event of a head injury, the designated
student-athlete shall be held from
participation until appropriate medical
personnel have been consulted.
Any student-athlete suspected of incurring a concussion will be immediately evaluated by medical
personnel. This evaluation will be completed using an approved standardized tool (for example, SCAT
5). The results of the initial and any subsequent evaluation will be entered into the student-athlete’s
permanent medical record.
Any student-athlete suspected of incurring a concussion will not be allowed to return to play that day
and must be evaluated by:
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▪ The team physician for that sport (or designee)
▪ A staff athletic trainer or
▪ The on-site athletic trainer in consultation with the team physician or staff athletic trainer
Any student-athlete held from play will be subsequently evaluated using available clinical tools along
with IMPACT and balance testing until resolution of the injury. Return to practice and play will be
governed by current recommendations from the NCAA/Big Ten and the International Conference on
Concussion in Sport. These include:
▪ Restriction of activity until symptoms resolve
▪ Return to activity when asymptomatic following the
graduated return to play criteria set forth in the 4
th
International Conference on Concussion in Sport
▪ No return to play will occur until asymptomatic with
exertion
Activity restriction for a student-athlete diagnosed with a
concussion will include involvement of the Student-Athlete
Academic Support Services personnel where appropriate.
Additional academic support to complement athletic
restrictions will be included on a case by case basis.
Any student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion will be
supplied with written instructions of neurological care for
immediate follow-up of the injury. Wherever possible, the
athlete will be discharged under the observation of a
companion.
All Big Ten and NCAA directed mandates will be followed
per recommendations by each.
Spartans Fuel
Spartans Fuel is Michigan State University’s performance nutrition program. We provide research-
based nutrition services to optimize your performance on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Members of Spartans Fuel are available to help provide care and attention to help fuel your game, aid in
recovery, and educate you on proper nutrition practices for competition as well as life beyond sport.
Services include:
▪ What to eat and when (nutrition timing)
▪ Pre-fuel and re-fuel strategies
▪ Healthy eating for life
▪ Daily nutrition for a student-athlete
▪ Hydration strategies
▪ Grocery shopping and dining hall tours
▪ Nutrition for optimal body composition
▪ Medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes or celiac
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▪ Supplemental questions and research
All Supplements you wish to take must be cleared with our sports dietitians, head athletic
trainer, or Dr. Jeff Kovan even if you have already been taking it prior to arrival at MSU.
To schedule a nutrition appointment with the sports
performance dietitian, please contact your athletic
trainer. Your athletic trainer will have each student-athlete fill
out a nutrition assessment form and the dietitian or nutrition
staff will contact you to schedule an appointment.
For more sports nutrition information and helpful tips, be sure
to follow us on social media:
Facebook: fb.me/SpartansFuel
Instagram: Spartans_Fuel
Twitter: @SpartansFuel
Eat Well. Train Hard. Win.
Spartans Fuel
Rob Masterson, RD, CSSD Lianna Hadden, MS, AT, ATC
Director of Performance Nutrition Nutrition Coordinator
Amber Rinestine, MS/MA, RDN Sarah Renaghan, MS, RD, CSSD
Head Football Performance Dietitian Olympic Sports Performance Dietitian
Equipment Room
The athletic equipment staff is made up of the equipment coordinator, several full-time assistants and a
number of student managers assigned to specific sports as needed. The staff is responsible for the
needs of approximately 750 student-athletes. Athletic equipment staff is available in equipment rooms
in the following locations: Breslin Center, Duffy Daugherty Building, Jenison Field House, and Munn
Ice Arena. Contacts are listed below.
Breslin Center
Duffy Daugherty
Jenison Field House
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Munn Ice Arena
Athletic Facilities
The Athletic Department operates the following facilities, which are utilized by athletic teams at
Michigan State:
Clara Bell Smith Center - Academic Center which contains: auditorium, computer labs, tutorial
rooms, staff offices, disability resource center, career center, and a multitude of help rooms and
medium size work rooms.
Skandalaris Football Center - Houses
football offices, training room, weight room,
several small classrooms, and an indoor,
artificial turf practice facility.
1855 Place –The 1
st
floor of 1855 Place
houses the ticket office. The 2
nd
and 3
rd
floors
are occupied by Residence Education and
Housing Services. Athletic department offices
including: the athletic director's office,
business office, sport administrators' offices,
facilities administrator's office, ombudsman
office, human resources, compliance, sports
communication, and the Spartan Fund are
located on the 4
th
floor.
Jenison Field House - Houses an indoor pool, indoor track, the field house/arena, a conference
room, classrooms, a weight room, an equipment room, locker rooms, and coaches offices (field hockey,
baseball, softball, track and field and cross country, volleyball, rowing, soccer and gymnastics).
Old College Field - home to the soccer field, softball stadium, baseball stadium, and the Gibson
Center.
• DeMartin Soccer Complex – home for both men’s and women’s soccer and has 2,500 seating
capacity
• Gibson Center - indoor hitting and pitching facility for baseball and softball
• McLane Stadium (Kob’s Field)- baseball stadium with 2500 seating capacity
• Secchia Softball Stadium at Old College Field – softball stadium with 1100 seating capacity
Jack Breslin Student Events Center - Houses a weight room, locker rooms, auxiliary gyms, an
equipment room, marketing and promotions, and the event management office. The Breslin Center is
run independently of the athletic department and is rented for athletic purposes. It contains facility
offices and a box office for Breslin events only.
Berkowitz Basketball Complex – Houses the basketball offices.
Munn Ice Arena - Home to the Spartan Hockey Program, Munn is operated jointly with Intramural
Sports. Munn also has a weight room and coaches offices.
Spartan Stadium – Spartan Stadium is home to the original Sparty statue and contains offices for
University Development, MSU Foundation and MSU Alumni Association. It also houses the jobs
program office, summer camps office, press and media areas, luxury suites, club seats, and recruiting
rooms.
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MSU Tennis Facility - Located on Mt. Hope Road, the tennis facility is operated independently of
the athletic department and is home to the tennis offices and indoor courts. The facility is open to
students and staff.
IM West Building - Home of the wrestling and swimming and diving offices, IM West is operated by
Intramural Sports and is open to all students and staff.
Ralph Young Track - Located just west of Spartan Stadium, the Ralph Young Track serves as the
outdoor facility for the track and field programs and field hockey program.
The Lasch Family Golf Center – An 18,000 square foot building located on Harrison Road, includes
an indoor practice area, student-athlete lounge, men’s and women’s golf locker rooms, coaches’ offices,
video room, and nutrition and hydration stations.
Forest Akers Golf Course - Operated independently of the athletic department, the golf course is the
site of home men's and women's golf tournaments, and cross country meets.
Athletic Training Facilities - Athletic Training facilities are housed throughout campus. Facilities
include: Sports Medicine and Performance Center, Jenison Fieldhouse Athletic Training Room, IM
West Athletic Training Room, Breslin Center Athletic Training Room, and Munn Ice Arena Athletic
Training Room.
Athletic Communications
The Athletic Communications Office at Michigan State University exists to not only promote the
accomplishments of its teams, coaches, athletes, and administrative staff, but also to act as a liaison
between those internal constituencies and the local, regional, and national media. Please remember that
our staff is at all times looking out for the best interests of the team, and also the best interests of the
athletic department and Michigan State University.
It is our job to help you look good, but cooperation must exist for us to operate at our highest level. If
we email or call you about an interview request, please respond to the member of our staff ASAP. If
you are uncomfortable in interviews or want some guidance on how to best present your thoughts and
ideas in interview situations, come to one of us, we’re here to help you!
All interviews with coaches and players for all varsity sports programs are recommended to be set up
through the Athletic Communications office.
We will not under any circumstances provide
your contact information (email, phone
number) to any media outlet. We will often ask
you to call a reporter back and will try to
arrange it so that phone call can be made from
one of our cell phones either before or after
practice. We will work with your schedule to
arrange the interview at a time that is
convenient for you.
Many of you have relationships with media in
your hometown. If they contact you directly,
please do not grant them interviews without
having them go through our office. We facilitate those interviews in order to work with your schedules.
In addition, it’s helpful to us to know what media coverage is being reported regarding our programs.
We track national and local coverage, both print and electronic.
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Finally, we are here to promote the program, as well as you as a student-athlete. We are interested not
only in your athletics successes, but also any good “human interest” angles that will help showcase
Michigan State and its varsity athletics program in a positive or unique light.
Below are some helpful hints as you navigate the media obligations of the team for the coming year.
Having a positive image in our local media helps send that positive image to a national level and will
help us succeed in having the type of season everyone in the program is hoping for. Don’t hesitate to
contact us if you have questions!
Appearance
Appearance can say more than words, especially for TV interviews. Much of the impression you make
in TV interviews results from your personal style and your body language. This includes your
appearance, facial expressions, and your posture.
▪
A smile makes people feel good and makes them like you
▪
Stand or sit up straight
▪
Always dress as a representative of Michigan State
Punctuality
Always be on time for an interview!
▪
Be respectful of the reporter’s time
▪
If you agree to do an interview, please be
there
▪
If you’re late, you will get the interview
off on the wrong foot
Availability
Don’t hide from the media
▪
You can’t make the media disappear. Take
a positive approach. Learn how to deal
with the media and reap the benefits. The
more cooperative you are with the media,
the better chance the media will present positive stories about you. The media has a job to do,
and we need to help them do it. Positive media relations are important.
Win or lose, be available
▪
You will make a better statement to the media and fans when you speak after a tough loss than
you will after a win.
▪
When you win, be humble. Arrogance is a turnoff to fans.
▪
We both win and lose as a team. When we win, help spread the praise to teammates. When we
lose, do not criticize others, particularly your teammates and coaches, and NEVER comment on
officiating. Defer to the positive. Fans easily forgive mistakes made on the field, but they do not
easily forgive a bad attitude.
Cooperation
▪
View your obligation to cooperate with the media as an opportunity to promote yourself as well
as your team. Use the media to develop a positive image. Think of every media interview as a
potential job interview in your professional career, whether or not you will be a professional
athlete.
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When doing interviews, always remember to take your time and think about your answer before you
speak. Nearly every interview we do is taped or recorded. There is plenty of time for media to edit your
answers. Take your time while formulating your thoughts before answering.
Our staff directory is located on the MSU Athletics’ official website at msuspartans.com. Each varsity
sport has an athletic communications contact to help them with the media throughout their collegiate
career. Please reach out to your sport contact if you ever have any questions.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Athletic Scholarships 1855 Place 894-8897
Associate Students of MSU 307 Student Services 355-8266
Black Student Alliance G-25 Hubbard Hall
Bus Service (CATA) On and off Campus 394-1100
Campus Info/Directory Assistance 355-1855
Career Services Network 113 Student Services 355-9510
Center for Survivors 24 hr Crisis Line 372-6666
Collaborative Learning Center 202 Bessey Hall 355-2363
Community Engaged Learning 345 Student Services 353-4400
Counseling & Psychiatric Services Olin Health Ctr, 3
rd
floor 355-8270
Cultural and Academic Transitions 339 Student Services 353-7745
Dean of Students Office W129 Owen Graduate Hall 884-0789
Dial A Ride (Night Owl) CATA 432-8888
Financial Aid 252 Student Services 353-5940
Global Health, Safety & Security 308 International Center 355-2352
Graduate School Chittenden Hall 355-3220
Honors College 105 Eustace-Cole Hall 355-2326
Institutional Equity 4 Olds Hall 353-3922
International Students & Scholars 105 International Center 353-1720
Gender & Sexuality Campus Center 302 Student Services 353-9520
Olin Health Appointments East Circle Drive 353-4660
Ombudsperson 129 North Kedzie 353-8830
Parking 1120 Red Cedar Road 355-8440
Police 1120 Red Cedar Road 355-2221
Registrar 150 Administration 355-3300
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 120 Bessey Hall 884-RCPD
Student Parent Resource Center 107 University Village 432-3745
Suicide Crisis Line 24 hr Crisis Line 800-273-8255
Technology Helpline (D2L) 884-678-6200 432-6200
Testing Center 207 Student Services 355-8385
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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBERS
Sports
Baseball 355-4486
Basketball
Men’s 355-1643
Women’s 353-8613
Cross Country
Men’s 355-1640
Women’s 355-1640
Field Hockey 432-1212
Football 355-1647
Golf
Men’s 432-2950
Women’s 432-1438
Gymnastics 355-4708
Ice Hockey 355-1639
Rowing 432-5623
Soccer
Men’s 355-8493
Women’s 353-3152
Softball 355-4752
Tennis
Men’s 432-0629
Women’s 432-0636
Track and Field
Men’s 355-1640
Women’s 355-1640
Volleyball 355-4750
Wrestling 355-5270
Support Services
Athletic Communications 355-2271
Athletic Training Rooms
Breslin 432-1015
Duffy 353-1655
Jenison 355-1627
Munn 353-4564
IM West 353-6738
Compliance 432-2606
Equipment 355-0321
Sales & Marketing 432-2607
Spartan Fund 432-4611
Strength & Conditioning
Duffy 355-7514
Jenison 432-2647
SASS 355-2204
Ticket Office 355-1610
Weight Rooms
Breslin 432-1402
Duffy 355-7514
Jenison 432-3647
SPORT ADMINISTRATORS
TBD, Athletic Director
355-1623; [email protected]
Julee Burgess, Assistant AD/Director of Sport Administration & Sport Internal Relations
Field Hockey, Rowing, M/W Soccer, Volleyball
Epiphany Clark, Assistant AD/Sport External Relations
M/W Cross Country and Track & Field, M/W Golf, Gymnastics, M/W Tennis
Elliott Daniels, Associate AD/Student-Athlete Engagement
Wrestling
50
Alan Haller, Assistant Vice President/Deputy AD
Football
Kevin Pauga, Associate AD/Strategic Initiatives & Conference Planning
Men’s Basketball (secondary), Scheduling, Logistics
Jim Pignataro, Executive Associate AD/Student-Athlete Services
Baseball, Ice Hockey, Softball
Jennifer Smith, Deputy AD/Senior Women’s Administrator/Compliance Services
M/W Basketball
STUDENT-ATHELTE SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF
Sara Woodruff IT 353-9161 viteks@msu.edu
