Michigan State University
Department of Community Sustainability

Graduate Student Organization

MSU's Office of Outreach and Engagement created a good set of 5 self-paced modules about how to do good community engagement work as a university student. The modules are somewhat targeted to undergrads, but grads will find it perhaps even more meaningful because they often have more community engagement experience to deepen the lessons offered. Even if you've been engaging communities for decades, you will learn something new in this curriculum :) Go to the Tools homepage and then login as a student to start the curriculum.

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Be sure to read and do the Reflection Questions and Examples in the sidebar--they are not cheesy.

The GSO maintains a closed Facebook group for all (and only!) CSUS graduate students. New members must be approved.

CSUS grad students have compiled this booklet of helpful information for new students. It's aimed at international students, but it contains helpful information for everyone.

COGS has compiled many helpful resources for grad students, including resources for wellness, legal services, diversity & inclusion, and simply living in East Lansing.

MSU's Graduate Employees Union (GEU) is a local chapter of the national union American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The GEU is the official bargaining unit for Teaching Assistant contracts with MSU. Because Michigan is a "Right to Work" state, TAs must opt-in to join the GEU by filling out a membership card and paying dues. However, if TA membership falls below 50%, GEU will no longer be recognized as the bargaining unit and the current contracts may be revised by MSU unilaterally. GEU members receive additional member benefits such as access to Solidarity Grants, discounts at local businesses through AFT & GEU, and the knowledge they are supporting all graduate employees.

Per a verbal "Sacred Covenant" from President Simon, Research Assistants (RAs) should be receiving the same contract as TAs. Thus, the GEU effectively bargains the contract for all Graduate Assistants at MSU. To support this work and receive other member benefits, RAs may also join the GEU as "Associate Members."

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The GSO strongly supports CSUS grad student membership in the GEU.

Grad students can interact with K12 students and their favorite adults through MSU's Grandparents University. Just send a few sentences to Kathryn Reed about your presentation or workshop, and she will arrange 1.5 hours for you to work with participants!

CSUS administers some funds through our "Graduate Office Fellowships." GOF funds are available during fall and spring semesters. The Fall 2017 application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Students may receive up to a maximum combined amount of GOF funds of $2,000 across their full degree program. Watch your email for announcements to apply each semester. 

Applications are due no later than Nov. 14, 2017. The scholarship committee interviews a select number of candidates in January and announces the winners near the end of the month. The scholarship will be applied to 2018-19 academic year.

MSU's COGS provides several funding opportunities for graduate student travel to present their work at conferences, develop professional skills, receive recognition for excellent work, and support childcare.

The MSU Graduate School also provides funding for graduate students. These funds are separate from those supplied by COGS, CSUS, or other units. Note that the Graduate School's travel funds have a rolling application window, i.e., you can apply year round. The application gets routed first through CSUS, then CANR, the Graduate School, and finally (if international travel), the office of International Studies.

Funds are available to support activities that enhance graduate and graduate professional students’ research projects. These funds are provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies and administered by the Graduate School. Funds are available to support research activities including travel to participate in workshops, data collection, short courses and extramural laboratory rotations. Under special circumstances, funding requests to purchase supplies/materials relevant to the student’s research will be considered. Research enhancement funding is only for graduate students enrolled in a degree program.

Doctoral students at MSU may take advantage of educational opportunities at any other Big Ten Academic Alliance university without change in registration or increase in tuition. This would be great if you want to take a methods or topics course at another Big Ten university, e.g., the University of Michigan just down the road.

The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association has limited funds which it may, at its discretion, make available to qualifying student organizations to help offset the costs of specific special projects or opportunities. All requests must be submitted by October 20 for fall semester and February 15 for spring semester. Submit application for events a semester before they are to occur.

COGS provides funding for GSO events (up to $1,500 per year) and a smaller meeting (up to $150).

ASMSU allows Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) to apply for up to $4,500 each academic year to be used on RSO events. Applications may be submitted beginning the first day of the academic year.

The MSU Department of Student Life oversees Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) such as the GSO. This links to an excerpt of MSU policies that pertain to RSOs.