University Policies

Certain statements of University-wide policy and/or facilities will likely have a direct effect on your welfare. The policies are described in detail in other publications such as the Academic Programs, Schedule of Courses and Calendar and Graduate Student Resource Guide.

Credits and Grades
Graduate students in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition are required to maintain a 3.0 average to remain in good standing. University regulations require that every student at MSU must register for a minimum of one course. Students may be allowed to register for one credit during their final semester.

Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the Academic Freedom for Students Document and the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities Document. Students should conduct themselves in accordance with the procedures outlined in these documents. The documents are printed in each current issue of Spartan Life, a student resource manual. Copies are available from the Office of Student Affairs and Services, 162 Student Services Building.

Equal Rights Policy
Michigan State University is committed to an active policy of no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, ethnic origin or sex. All students and employees should familiarize themselves with the Anti-Discrimination Policy and Procedures, and conduct themselves in accordance with that Policy. The Anti-Discrimination Policy and Procedures is contained in Spartan Life, a student resource manual which is available in the Department Office or from 162 Student Services Building.

MSU Procedures for Dealing with Allegations of Misconduct in Science
"The graduate student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades and professional standards." (Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University, Sec. 2.3.8.).

"When sanctions other than or in addition to a penalty grade are involved, the college hearing board has original jurisdiction, and the University Graduate Judiciary has appellate jurisdiction over academic dismissals and disciplinary cases against graduate student relating to academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards, or falsification of admission or academic records." (Ibid., Sec. 5.5.1, and the parallel language in 5.5.1 of Medical Students Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University available in the Medical School offices and The Graduate School).

Human Subject Research
Policy on research with human subjects: Graduate or undergraduate student research programs may involve the use of human subjects. "Human subject" is defined as an individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual or (2) identifiable, confidential information about the individual. Both Federal and University regulations require that all proposed research projects involving human subjects be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board prior to the initiation of such studies. 

At Michigan State University, that Board is the University Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (UCRIHS). Specific information regarding procedures for obtaining appropriate review of proposed research projects involving human subjects is available from either the Office of the Dean of the student's college, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, or the FSHN Department Office. 

Approval of research using human subjects must be obtained before the research is initiated. No human subject projects will be approved after the fact from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. 

Use of Hazardous Materials 
The Michigan Department of Public Health has recently implemented a Medical Waste Management Act with new requirements for the handling of medical wastes. The Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety (ORCBS) has prepared the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide to address the new legislation and permit requirements on labeling, packaging and disposing of hazardous waste. Ask major professor or department office to obtain a copy of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide.

Laboratory Animals in Research
At Michigan State University all laboratory animal research must be approved by the All-University Committee on Animal Use and Care; this includes funded as well as unfunded research. Compliance with University policy regarding animal use in research projects is the responsibility of the major professor.

The work with laboratory research animals is under strict regulations in compliance with NIH standards. Prior training or instruction is required in order to conduct research with laboratory animals. No work with laboratory research animals may be conducted prior to obtaining the approval. It is the student's responsibility to verify/ascertain that the student's research professor has obtained approval for the use of laboratory animals in the student's project. The following MSU documents pertaining to animal care should be available in your major professor's research laboratory: "Policies, Responsibilities and Procedures for Animal Use and Care" and "NIH Guide for Care and Use of Lab Animals".

Student Organizations
The Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC) acts as a direct line of communication between the graduate students and the department. The specific responsibilities are detailed in the Department Bylaws which are available from the Department Office. The Human Ecology Graduate Student Advisory Committee (HEGSAC) acts as a liaison between graduate students and the College.

The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) serves as a communications link between graduate students and the university administration, and also provides numerous services. The Executive Board of COGS is elected by representatives from the various departments and colleges which grant graduate degrees. COGS members serve on various university-wide planning and advisory committees and advise the Board of Trustees on matters of concern to graduate students. Through funding provided by a tax collected from graduate students, COGS provides a low-cost photocopy service, various financial aids, a dissertation copy service and other services. Short term loans are available from COGS through Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU). For more information contact the COGS Office, Room 316 Student Services (phone 3-9189).