Academics - Frequently Asked Questions
Advisors | Courses | FAQ | Internships | Programs | Scholarships | Specializations | Study Abroad
Who is my academic advisor?
All CSS undergraduates are assigned an academic advisor based on their specific area of interest. If you do not know who your academic advisor is, stop by the CSS Department Office in room A286 Plant and Soil Sciences Building or send an e-mail to Dave Krauss.
How often should I see my advisor?
All undergraduate students should schedule an appointment to meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester. Your academic advisor will help you decide which courses you need to take, what order the courses should be taken in (if any), what elective courses may be beneficial to you, and that you have completed all the requirements prior to graduation. Also, when you start looking for a job and send out resumes, you will need a list of references which should include your advisor. If you seldom see your advisor, they are not going to know you well enough to write a good recommendation.
Can I waive a required class?
Only under unusual circumstances are required courses ever waived. Check with your academic advisor for more information.
I am going to graduate at the end of the next semester, what do I need to do?
If you plan to graduate, meet with your academic advisor to make sure that you have fulfilled all of the course requirements. You will need to submit an application form for the current semester which is available at the Application for Graduation website.
When I apply to graduate, who determines if I have fulfilled the requirements?
Once you have submitted the Application for Graduation form, the Department checks to see if you have or are in the process of completing the University, College, and Departmental required courses for your degree. Depending on your status, the Department will either approve or deny graduation for the current semester. If you are in the process of completing a course that is required for your degree, the Department will then place a hold on you for that course. In other words, if you do not pass the course, you will be denied graduation. If you are approved for graduation, the College office will then double check the information submitted by the Department and then forward that back to the Office of the Registrar. If you have holds on your graduation, the Office of the Registrar will verify that you have satisfied the holds before issuing you a diploma.
How do I apply for a Specialization?
Contact the person or Department responsible for the Specialization. For the CSS Agronomy Specialization, contact Karen Renner. For the CSS International Agriculture Specialization, contact Russ Freed.
I applied for a Specialization, who determines if I have fulfilled the requirements?
When you apply for a Specialization, it will be tracked along with your program major. When you are processed to graduate, the Department responsible for the Specialization will verify that you have completed the requirements.
How do I locate an Internship?
Your academic advisor is invaluable in helping you find a location to complete your internship. In addition, there is a listing of currently available internships at the CSS website home page.
Why aren't all of my transfer courses listed in my transcript?
When your transcript is evaluated by the Registrar’s Office at MSU, in order for the course to transfer in as a specific MSU course, the course must cover essentially the same material. If the course is not similar to a course offered by MSU, it will transfer in as General Credit, providing that you received a minimum grade of 2.0. In some cases, it is advantageous for the student that has received General Credit to stop by the Department office in which they have received General Credit (ie. Math, Chemistry, etc.) with a copy of the syllabus from the course that you are transferring in and have the transcript reviewed.
Once I start taking classes at MSU, can I still take classes from another school?
You may take classes from any other 4-year, Junior College, or Community Colleges once you have started at MSU, but be aware that once you have attained a junior standing at MSU (90 credits), you may not transfer in any more courses for credit from a Community or Junior College. However, if the course taken at the Community or Junior College meets a requirement for your degree, the MSU course may be waived (check with your academic advisor). MSU transfer course equivalencies are available at the Admissions Credit Transfer System website
I went to enroll for classes and I couldn’t because I had a Hold, what does this mean?
A hold may be placed to prevent you from being admitted or readmitted into the University, enrolling or registering for classes, receiving your diploma, receiving a transcript, or being processed for financial aid. Some reasons why a hold may be placed on you are past due financial obligations, the need to obtain academic advising, or as a result of judicial actions. A complete description of the reasons why a hold may be issued is found in the Academic Programs Section of the University Catalog.
What happens if I fail a course?
If you fail a course that is required to fulfill a University, College, or Departmental requirement, you must retake the course and receive a passing grade. If the course is not required, you should not retake the course unless you can improve your grade by at least 2 points.
I am having trouble in one of my courses, where can I get help?
Most of the larger courses offered at MSU, such as chemistry and mathematics, will have help rooms, additional help sessions, or tutors available. Check with your instructor to see what is available. Another good place for getting help is to join either the Agronomy Club or the Turfgrass Club.
What is the last day to drop a course without receiving a grade?
The last day to drop a course without having a grade reported on your record is the middle of the semester. See the Academic Calendar for the exact date.
I am a junior and I want to change my major, what do I do?
If you are a junior or senior, you will need to get the Advisor’s Copy of your folder from your academic advisor, the College Copy of your folder from the college office of your current major, and then present both folders to the college office of your new major.
Is there financial aid available through the Department?
There are several scholarships available through the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and also the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. To be eligible for a Departmental scholarship, you must declare Crop and Soil Sciences as your primary major. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Where can I find a part-time job while attending MSU?
Students seeking part-time employment during the school year should check with their academic advisor. As a CSS student, you will also receive periodic mailings from the academic staff which may contain information on jobs in the Department.
Once I graduate, will the Department help me find a job?
Your academic advisor is invaluable in helping you make contacts with the industry and locating a job. In addition, there is a listing of currently available jobs at the CSS website home page.
What do I do if I lose my ID card?
If you lose your ID card, contact the Registrar's Office (355-2333) immediately as you are responsible for all materials checked out of the libraries with your ID card. Replacement ID cards are available for a fee from the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building. You will need to provide them with a pictured ID.
What do I do if I forget my PAN number?
If you forget your PAN number, you will need to appear in person at the Office of the Registrar, 150 Administration Building, and provide them with a pictured ID.
I need to type a term paper, are there any computers that I can use?
The University has over 50 microcomputer labs located throughout campus. The Plant and Soil Sciences microcomputer lab has 30 computers where you will be taking the majority of your CSS courses. The Microcomputer labs have different hours of operation, so check the schedule posted at each lab.
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