The Student Affairs Office (SAO) is open! Staff and advisors work both in-person and virtually to provide services including advising, certification, and related student affairs issues.
Do you need to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor?
Academic advising is available for students to discuss their academic needs with an advisor. Schedule an appointment through the online system. Indicate phone, Zoom or in-person preference when scheduling.
Career advising is available through the MSU Career Services Network. Schedule a career advising appointment with an all-majors career advisor using Handshake.
Schedule an Academic Advising Appointment
Login into the scheduling system with your NetID and password (Note that you will be required to set up two-factor authentication to sign in)
Select the Academic Progress tile
Click the tab on the left, labeled Advising/Tutoring Appointments
Click Create New Appointment in the upper right corner
Category: choose Advising
Advising/Tutoring Unit: select College of Education
Appointment Reason: click on the search magnifier icon to select from the choices given
Additional Information: include further details to help the advisor prepare for your appointment (required)
Appointment Type: select in-person or Zoom. (There is more availability for in-person than zoom)
Click on Select Advisor
Click the Time Selected drop-down menu to view available times
Click on Select Time to confirm the appointment
Click Book It!”
Schedule a Career Advising Appointment
To schedule a College of Education career advising appointment, please go to Handshake.
Drop-in Advising
Peer Advisors and Academic Advisors are available to meet with Teacher Preparation and Kinesiology students for quick questions about classes, study strategies, scheduling planning, enrollment assistance, campus resources, and more during “drop-in” advising.
Kinesiology Peer Advising Drop-in times (in person only – Erickson Hall Room 134):
Drop-in Peer Advising hours will begin on Monday, August 25th for the fall semester.
Monday’s 10:00 – 12:00PM
Tuesday’s 10:00 – 12:00PM
Wednesday’s 2:00 – 4:00PM
Friday’s 10:00 – 12:00PM
*There will be no peer drop-in’s during fall break (October 20th and 21st), or finals week
Kinesiology Academic Advising Drop-in times: (in person ONLY – Erickson Hall Room 134)
Drop-in KIN academic advising will be available for the first week of fall classes: August 25th - August 29th.
Monday: 9:00-11:00AM and 2:00-4:00PM
Tuesday: 9:00-11:00AM and 2:00-4:00PM
Wednesday: 9:00-11:00AM and 2:00-4:00PM
Thursday: 9:00-11:00AM and 2:00-4:00PM
Friday: 9:00-11:00AM
Please note: After Friday, August 29th, we will not have KIN academic advising drop-in times again until October. We will have those dates and times posted closer to the start of spring registration! Have a great start to the fall semester!!
Students with fewer than 56 credits may change their major to Education; however, students with 40-55 credits must meet with an Education advisor first.
Students must apply and be admitted to the teacher preparation program to remain in the Education major after 56 credits. Students with more than 28 credits are eligible to apply for admission. Students who do not apply or cannot be admitted to the teacher preparation program when they reach 56 credits must change out of the Education major. Students in other majors who apply and are admitted to the teacher preparation program will have their majors changed to Education as part of the admission process.
If you are seeking a major change to something other than Elementary Education, please visit the website of that college to learn more about the process. If you wish to change your major to Exploratory Preference, or if you wish to discuss major options, please visit a Neighborhood Engagement Center for guidance.
Kinesiology
Students with fewer than 40 credits and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 may change their major to Kinesiology.
Students with 40-55 credits and/or a cumulative GPA below 2.0 must meet with a Kinesiology advisor before changing into the major.
Students with more than 55 credits must meet admission requirements to remain in the Kinesiology major or change into the major. Students who are not admissible when they reach 56 credits must change out of the Kinesiology major.
Students with more than 56 credits who have met admission requirements must complete a major change request.
If you are seeking a major change to something other than Kinesiology, please visit the website of that college to learn more about the process. If you wish to change your major to Exploratory Preference, or if you wish to discuss major options, please visit a Neighborhood Engagement Center for guidance.
Special Education
Students with fewer than 56 credits may change their major to Education; however, students with 40-55 credits must meet with a Special Education advisor first.
Students must apply and be admitted to the teacher preparation program to remain in the Special Education major after 56 credits. Students with more than 28 credits are eligible to apply for admission. Students who do not apply or cannot be admitted to the teacher preparation program when they reach 56 credits must change out of the Special Education major. Students in other majors who apply and are admitted to the teacher preparation program will have their majors changed to Special Education as part of the admission process.
If you are seeking a major change to something other than Special Education, please visit the website of that college to learn more about the process. If you wish to change your major to Exploratory Preference, or if you wish to discuss major options, please visit a Neighborhood Engagement Center for guidance.
Secondary Education
Students pursuing teacher certification at the secondary (high school) level earn degrees in the departments/colleges of their teaching major (e.g., biology, French, music). To become certified, students must apply and be accepted for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Students with more than 28 credits are eligible to apply.
Administrative Actions
Looking for the Undergrad Associate/Assistant Dean in Your College?
If you need help with administrative issues related to university policies and procedures (for example, a Grief Absence request) and you’ve been referred to your Associate/Assistant Dean or “Academic Dean,” please contact Kristy Chene, the director of Undergraduate Student Affairs in the College of Education.
Medical Withdrawal
If you’ve been referred to the Associate/Assistant Dean in your college because you wish to request a medical withdrawal, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs, Kristy Chene.
Academic Advising
What is academic advising?
Academic advising is at the heart of student success. An advising appointment might involve any or all of the following, as well as a variety of other topics:
Exploring degree majors and careers
Understanding your degree requirements
Using sample four-year plans to develop your individual program of study
Learning to use enrollment and degree navigation tools
Selecting courses; choosing the right course combinations
Developing strategies for academic success
Recovering from academic setbacks
Learning to use MSU resources to support your personal well-being and academic success
Selecting cognates and minors or teaching majors and minors
Checking to be sure you’re ready to graduate when that time comes
Learning about all that MSU has to offer
Scheduling advising appointments
College of Education advisors open new appointments every Friday and schedule out two weeks at a time. Schedules can fill quickly, especially during open enrollment. Be sure to schedule well in advance of your enrollment date.
In addition to scheduled appointments, advisors see students during scheduled drop-in advising hours.
Need to schedule an appointment?
Login into the scheduling system with your NetID and password (Note that you will be required to set up two-factor authentication to sign in)
Select the Academic Progress tile
Click the tab on the left, labeled Advising/Tutoring Appointments
Click Create New Appointment in the upper right corner
Category: choose Advising
Advising/Tutoring Unit: select College of Education
Appointment Reason: click on the search magnifier icon to select from the choices given
Additional Information: include further details to help the advisor prepare for your appointment (required)
Appointment Type: select Zoom, phone, or in-person
Click on Select Advisor
Click the Time Selected drop-down menu to view available times
Click on Select Time to confirm the appointment
Click "Book It!”
If you need clarification, please visit the SIS Help page.
Need to cancel an appointment?
Login into scheduling system (Note that you will be required to set up two-factor authentication in order to sign in) and password
Select the Academic Progress tile
Click the tab on the left, labeled Advising/Tutoring Appointment
Under My Appointments, select the appointment you want to cancel
Scroll down and click Cancel Appointment
Appointments for non-MSU students (including high school students, prospective transfer students, and prospective post-bachelor’s degree students) can be scheduled by calling 517 353 9680.
What is peer academic advising?
Peer advising is about students helping students. Peer Advisors receive extensive training and are able to assist with major/minor selection, admission requirements, resource referrals, and general advising questions. All Peer Advisors are trained to advise students in kinesiology and athletic training, as well as elementary, secondary, and special education (so you can schedule with any of them).
Scheduling peer academic advising appointments
Peer advisors work with students during peer advising drop-in hours – listed below under Drop-In Virtual Advising.
Advising Tools: Preparing for advising meetings
You should meet with an advisor every semester. You’ll get the most out of the meeting if you come prepared to actively participate. Review degree requirements, create a list of questions, and use a sample four-year plan (see below) for your major to create a preliminary schedule before your visit. Although advisors are eager to help, students are ultimately responsible for understanding and fulfilling degree requirements.
Keep a folder with information from your advising appointment so you can refer to it later; take the folder to your next advising appointment.
Make use of college and university tools to understand and plan your academic program; for example use:
Sample Four-Year Plans for Kinesiology and Athletic Training
MSU Degree Navigator; Degree Navigator compares your academic record with requirements for your degree major and shows which requirements you have—and have not—completed.
Advisors for student-athletes in Education and Special Education is Michael Haslett.
Advising for secondary education students
All Education/Special Education advisors are available to advise secondary education students and prospective secondary education students about the teacher preparation program (including admission requirements, the application process, course requirements, the internship year, etc.). Secondary education students (and prospective secondary education students) should consult an advisor in their secondary major about degree requirements.
Advising for prospective transfer students
Students interested in transferring to MSU from another institution should contact the MSU Office of Admissions for general admission information as well as more specific information about transferring to MSU. The Office of Admissions reviews all transfer student applications and processes admission to all MSU majors. Want to learn more?
In addition, prospective transfer students are encouraged to use Transfer MSU to find MSU equivalencies for courses completed at other institutions.
College of Education advisors are happy to meet with prospective transfer students. Please call 517 353 9680 to schedule an appointment with an advisor in your intended major.
Advising for high school students and their families
High school students interested in admission to MSU should contact the MSU Office of Admissions for information and a link to the online application. The Office of Admissions reviews all undergraduate student applications and processes admission to majors on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended.
There are opportunities throughout the year to tour campus, attend special admission events and/or meet with college advisors to discuss the majors you are considering. Visit the Office of Admissions for campus visit options and registration information. College of Education academic advisors offer informational meetings for high school students and their families on designated days each semester. Select the College of Education to see specific days and times.
Advising for prospective post-bachelor’s degree students interested in initial teacher certification
The College of Education offers a route to initial teacher certification for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your background and what you wish to teach, the program takes 2-3 years, including the teaching internship year. Learn more about the Post-Bachelor’s certification program and admission requirements then call 517 353 9680 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Advising for teachers adding endorsements to an existing certificate
Teachers interested in adding new endorsements to their teaching certificates should email the Certification Office for information.
Admission to College of Education Undergraduate Majors
The College of Education offers the services of professional career consultants and trained career peer advisors through the Career Services Network. Learn more on the college’s career services site.
Opportunities for Engagement at MSU
Employers and graduate admission committees are looking for students/graduates who’ve developed skills that transcend majors; skills like problem-solving, self-management, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, team building, time-management, and dependability. Activities outside the classroom offer opportunities to develop those “transferrable” skills.
Student Organizations
Joining a student organization is a great way to meet new people, learn more about a major or career, develop leadership skills, improve your resume, and help others in the Spartan tradition. With more than 700 registered student organizations at MSU, there’s something for everyone. Many students enjoy organizations related to their major; check out student organizations in the College of Education.
Education Abroad (aka Study Abroad)
It’s possible to complete integrative studies requirements, degree major requirements, and elective courses all over the globe! There are also opportunities for international research and service projects. MSU administers over 275 programs worldwide each year, with some Study Away options available in the United States. Want to learn more?
Gain exposure to a major or a career, develop on-the-job skills, and improve your resume through hands-on experience. Learn about internship opportunities on Handshake, talk with your advisor about internship requirements for your major, and visit a career consultant and/or career peer advisors to discuss options.
Being a Spartan Means Helping Others
Do something good for others while also learning more about the world, developing transferrable skills, and improving your resume. Use the MSU Center for Community Engaged Learning resources or reach out to specific organizations to seek volunteer opportunities.
Pre-Health Advisors do not replace advisors in your major. These advisors serve as an additional resource for students seeking admission to post-graduate programs in health-related fields. The MSU Pre-Health website is an excellent source of information about career options, graduate program selection, prerequisite admission requirements, the application process, admission test preparation, suggested elective courses, related student organizations, and co-curricular activities. Pre-Health Advisors are housed in the College of Natural Science but work with students in all majors.
