Registrar's Office: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Current Students - General Information

Q: Where can I obtain a calendar of important dates?

A: Visit the Academic Calendar for term and commencement dates. Visit the Course Schedules & Descriptions page and select a given semester to find course and final exam dates and times. Visit the Law College Events Calendar for events and meetings.


Q: How do I reach a specific department, professor, or staff member? 

A: For the College of Law, visit the College of Law Directory. For the main University, visit MSU Find People.  


Q: Where can I find the tuition and fee rates?
A: Visit the Student Accounts page. 


Q: How many credits do I need to be full-time?

A: J.D. students who are enrolled in 12 or more credits are reported as full-time. LL.M. and M.J. students enrolled in six (6) or more credits are reported as full-time.

Students should be mindful of the College's Work Limitation Policy found in this Handbook. 

J.D. students, please be advised that your enrollment status could affect your financial aid budget. Students receiving financial aid can view and manage their aid packages, submit documents, or complete other requirements via the financial aid portal in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, students should click on the Financial Aid tile to access the financial aid portal. For more information about financial aid at MSU, visit finaid.msu.edu.  


Q: How do I change my address or telephone number? 

A: Viewing and updating of personal details, addresses, contact information and emergency contacts will be managed via the Student Information System at student.msu.edu. After logging in, navigate to the “My Profile” tile to view and edit that information.  


Q: How do I change my legal name?

A: You should take a driver's license, official state ID card, Social Security card, court order of legal name change, current passport, or official proof of identity certified by U.S. embassy abroad or by the appropriate foreign embassy in the United States to the Michigan State University Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603. You may also submit your request by mail or fax (517-353-1935), including legible copies of your documentation.If you have questions prior to submission, please call the MSU Office of the Registrar at (517) 355-3300.


Q: Do I have a hold on my student account?

A: You can view any holds on your account in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, select the Tasks tile and “Holds” from the left navigation. From there you can view the holds and information for the appropriate department to contact for resolution.


Q: How do I obtain a copy of my transcript or grade report?

A: To obtain a copy of your transcript, you must submit an online request to the MSU Registrar's Office:  https://reg.msu.edu/Transcripts/Transcript.aspx

You can view your academic records in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, select the Academic Records tile to view information like course history, final and historical grades, test and transfer credit, unofficial transcripts, awards and honors, and more.


Q: How do I obtain an MSU Student ID Card?

A: Visit the MSU ID Office in the MSU International Center (427 N. Shaw Lane, Room 170, East Lansing, MI 48824). 

As of June 2021, all newly issued Student ID cards will include a Student ID number rather than an APID. Students with a Student ID card issued with an APID can convert their APID to a Student ID number by simply replacing the “A” with a “1” (e.g., A23456789 --> 123456789). The Student ID number also displays on the My Profile tile in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu.


Q: What is a preferred name?

A: You may prefer to be addressed by a name that is different from your legal name. MSU and MSU College of Law recognizes that many of its students use names other than their legal names to identify themselves and allows you to do this by establishing a preferred name.


Q: How do I establish or update my preferred name?

A: You can update your preferred name settings in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging into SIS, click on the "My Profile" tile. From there, select "Personal Details" from the left navigation and click on the preferred name-type to update as needed. Please note, preferred name is different from primary/legal name. A student's legal name cannot be changed in SIS. If you need assistance with a legal name change, contact reg@msu.edu.


Q: Will my preferred name be used for everything at MSU and MSU Law?

A: No. The legal name will continue to be used for certain university or college records, documents, and business processes such as reporting, financial aid, official transcripts, and other records where use of legal name is required by law or university policy.  

A student's legal name cannot be changed in SIS. If you need assistance with a legal name change, contact the MSU Registrar's Office at reg@msu.edu.  College of Law Registrar's Office cannot process this change.  


Q: Where can I find a list of registered MSU Law student organizations and their contact information?

A: Visit MSU Law Student Organizations


Q: How can I obtain verification of my current enrollment?

A: Submit a completed Academic Request Form to the MSU Law Registrar's Office. 

You can view your academic records in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, select the Academic Records tile to view information like course history, final and historical grades, test and transfer credit, unofficial transcripts, awards and honors, and more.


Q: How does an employer or lender find out my enrollment and/or graduation status?

A: MSU reports semester enrollment status and completed degree information to the National Student Clearinghouse on behalf of all MSU students. The Clearinghouse provides data on a regular basis to governmental and private lenders. Prospective employers may call the Clearinghouse at (703) 742-4200 or visit their web site at www.studentclearinghouse.org to confirm enrollment information. If you have any questions or concerns with the National Student Clearinghouse, contact the MSU Registrar's Office at reg@msu.eduor by calling (517) 355-3300.


Q: How do I amend my law school application or update my student file?

A: Visit Amendment to Law School Application/Update Student File Requests for detailed instructions. 


Q: How do I withdraw from MSU Law?

A: You should contact the Office of Student Affairs in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your withdrawal request with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. You must also submit a completed Leave of Absence or Complete Withdrawal Form


Q: How do I take a leave of absence from MSU Law?

A: You should contact the Office of Student Affairs in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your leave of absence request with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. You must also submit a completed Leave of Absence or Complete Withdrawal Form


Q: How do I obtain an I-20, OPT, or CPT form or advising?

A: Contact MSU Office of International Students and Scholars at oiss.isp.msu.edu.


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Current Students - Course Information & Enrollment

Q: The course description/course prerequisite(s) is different on the MSU Schedule of Courses site than on the MSU College of Law schedule. Which is correct?

A: The course description/course prerequisite(s) on the MSU College of Law schedule will always supersede the information on the MSU Schedule of Courses site. Visit the College of Law Course Schedules & Descriptions page and select a given semester to find course information.  If you have any questions regarding a course description/course prerequisite(s), contact the MSU Law Registrar's Office

Your enrollment will be completed in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. 


Q: What is an enrollment appointment time?

A: An appointment time is the date and time you may begin registering for courses for a given semester.


Q: When will my appointment time be published for the upcoming semester and how can I find my appointment time?

A: Enrollment appointment times will be listed in your account at student.msu.edu.


Q: How do I enroll for courses?

A: Visit the Course Schedules & Descriptions page to find enrollment instructions for the semester you wish to enroll in courses. Once you have read the enrollment instructions in their entirety, enrollment will be completed in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, click on the Classes tile and select "Class Search & Enroll." The "subject" for all MSU College of Law courses is "LAW" on the MSU Schedule of Courses site. 


Q: Why can't I enroll?

A: Most likely it is because of one of the following scenarios:

1) You may be attempting to enroll before your appointment time. Enrollment appointment times will be listed in your account at student.msu.edu.
2) You may have a hold on your student account that restricts your enrollment. Students can view any holds on their account in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, students should select their Tasks tile and “Holds” from the left navigation. From there students can view their holds and information for the appropriate department to contact for resolution.
3) The course is at capacity or requires permission to enroll.
4) You have not satisfied the prerequisite(s) for the course. Visit the Course Schedules & Descriptions page and select the given semester schedule to find the prerequisite(s) for a course.
Please contact regist@law.msu.edu if you have additional questions.  

Q: How do I add/drop a course BEFORE it meets for the first time?

A: You can add/drop a course via student.msu.edu. If you wish to add/drop a course but have a hold on your account, please review the hold listed in your account in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, select the Tasks tile and “Holds” from the left navigation. From there you can view the holds and information for the appropriate department to contact for resolution.


Q: How do I add a course AFTER it has met for the first time?

A: You should fill out the Drop/Add Form and obtain the proper signatures on the form. Scholarship students should note that the charge assessed for a course that is dropped after the 100% refund period has passed is NOT covered by scholarships. The student will be required to pay the full rate of tuition for the dropped course. 


Q: What is ULWR, and how do I declare it?

A: The Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR) is a J.D. graduation requirement that assures that every J.D. student who graduates from MSU Law has the experience of researching, analyzing and writing about legal issues on a more sophisticated and in-depth level than is generally possible during the first year of law school. Students must complete 29 or more credit hours before enrolling in a ULWR. More information about the requirement can be found on the Required Curriculum page. 

In order to declare your ULWR, you must submit the ULWR Declaration Form with your professor's signature by the end of the fourth week of the semester in the fall or spring semester, or the end of the second week in the summer semester. If you successfully complete the ULWR requirement, you will be notified via email after the grading due date for the semester when the ULWR completion has been added to your record.


Q: When and how should I declare a directed study?

A: You should submit the Directed Study Form by the end of the first week of the semester. If you are using the Directed Study to fulfill your ULWR requirement, the Directed Study Form should be submitted at the same time as the ULWR Declaration FormA Directed Study is a course; therefore, enrollment is subject to the semester course enrollment deadlines. 


Q: What are the required courses for graduation?

A: J.D. students should visit the Required Curriculum page for detailed graduation requirements. LL.M./M.J. students in the American Legal System Program should visit the American Legal System Curriculum page for detailed graduation requirements. LL.M./M.J. students in the IP Law Program should visit the IP Law Curriculum page. LL.M./M.J. students in the Global Food Law Program should visit the Global Food Law Curriculum page.


Q: How many credits can I take in distance education (including online courses)?

A: No student may enroll in distance education courses qualifying for credit under the Online Course Enrollment policy until that student has completed instruction equivalent to 28 credit hours toward the J.D. degree. In any term, the College will not grant a student more than the permitted number of distance education credit hours as set forth in the ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools, or as set forth in approved variances from the Standards. Students may not enroll in more than four credit hours of distance education without approval of the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. No more than a cumulative total of 12 credit hours will be granted toward the J.D. degree for distance education courses. In compliance with federal regulation, for F-1 students no more than the equivalent of one distance education class or three credits per term may be counted toward the full course of study requirement if the class does not require the student's physical attendance for classes, examination or other purposes integral to completion of the class. More information can be found in the Student Handbook: Credit Hour Maximum per Semester & Course Enrollment Limitations.


Q: What is the maximum amount of credits I can take a semester?

A: During a regular semester (fall or spring), full-time J.D. students are allowed to enroll in a maximum of 17 credits. Part-time J.D. students can only enroll in a maximum of 11 credits. More information can be found in the Student Handbook: Credit Hour Maximum per Semester & Course Enrollment Limitations.


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Current Students - Exams & Grades

Q: Where can I find the dates and times for my midterm and final exams?

A: Visit the College of Law Course Schedules & Descriptions page and select a given semester to find midterm and final exam dates and times.


Q: If I have a medical condition or English is my second language, how do I request a special accommodation for my midterm or final exams?

A: Do not under any situation speak to your professor about your accommodation request. Law school exams are designed to be anonymous, and inquiring with your professor regarding such a request ruins that anonymity. 

For general accommodation questions, you should you should contact the Office of Student Affairs in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your request with the Assistant Director for Student Affairs. For specific questions or to request special accommodations for a medical reason, you should contact the Office of Student Affairs in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your request with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. If English is your second language, you should submit a Special Accommodations Request-Medical or ESL Form to the Office of Student Affairs by the end of the fourth week of the semester.


Q: If I have an exam conflict (such as two or more final exams scheduled at the same time) or a personal conflict with an exam, what do I do?

A: You should contact the Office of Student Affairs in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your request with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. You will also need to submit a Special Accommodations Request-Exam or Personal Conflict Form.


Q: If I have an approved exam conflict or a special accommodation, when will I receive detailed date and time information about my specific exams?

A: You will typically receive detailed information regarding your accommodations 1 week prior to the start of the exam period. Please contact the MSU Law Registrar's Office with additional questions or concerns. 


Q: What is an exam permit?

A: An exam permit is an additional ID number that ensures anonymity when your professors are grading your exams. A new exam permit is assigned to your Examsoft account every semester for both midterms and final exams. Students no longer need to bring a printed copy of their exam permit to exams. Your permit is built into your account in Examsoft and automatically applied to your exam.


Q: What is the Affidavit of Enrollment Status for J.D. Students?

A: The Affidavit of Enrollment Status is required each semester and is an affidavit to ensure students are in compliance with MSU Law’s Work Limitation Policy and Attendance Policy, as described in the Student Handbook. Students may complete the Affidavit via Student Services by logging in with their MSU NetId and Password. If you do not have a completed Affidavit for a given semester, there will be a hold on your exam permit. 


Q: What do I do if an emergency happens prior to an exam and it prevents me from arriving on time for my exam?

A: As soon as possible, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 517-432-6835osalaw@law.msu.edu, or by visiting Suite 308. 


Q: When will grades be posted?

A: Grades are generally due approximately 1 month after the final exam period. Students are strongly advised to refrain from contacting the Registrar’s Office to check on the status of grade submission and postings, as these inquires interfere with the Registrar’s ability to input grades in a timely manner.


Q: When will rank be posted?

A: Rank is generally posted approximately 2 months after the final exam period. 


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Current Students - Honors, Graduation, and the Bar Exam

Q: What are the requirements to make the MSU Law Dean's List?

A:  A student qualifies for the Dean's List every semester the student has a term GPA at or above 3.6. This distinction is noted on the student's transcript. 

Only JD students are eligible for the Dean’s List distinction.

Prior to Fall Semester 2021:  Students qualified for the Dean's List every semester the student had a class rank at the 65th Percentile or above. This distinction is noted on the student's transcript.

Note: The Dean's List is calculated based on semester GPA, while overall class rank is based on cumulative GPA.


Q: How do I apply for graduation?

A:  Students apply for graduation in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu

Before you apply, please review your degree requirements to check your eligibility and determine what courses and requirements you still have remaining to complete. A helpful overview of how to check your degree requirements has been provided by MSU: https://sis.msu.edu/_assets/documents/students/AA-DegreeAudit-Student.pdf.

Students can apply for graduation by filling out the Graduation Application available at student.msu.edu and selecting the Academic Progress tile and clicking the Apply for Graduation link in the left-hand navigation under the Graduation heading. Students who are expecting to graduate but cannot access the graduation application should contact their advisor.


Q: Is there a graduation requirements checklist for J.D. students?

A: Yes, students are able to review their academic progress and monitor degree requirement completion in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu.  This system is the official MSU degree audit.  A helpful overview of how to check your degree requirements has been provided by MSU: https://sis.msu.edu/_assets/documents/students/AA-DegreeAudit-Student.pdf

For further assistance or questions about your specific academic progress or degree requirement completion, Dean Taylor and Director Jarquin in the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), as your Academic Advisors, are happy to help you. To setup a meeting you can select a time that works for you on their  Bookings page.


Q: What are the requirements to graduate with honors?

A: LL.M. and M.J. students are not eligible for honors. Honors for J.D. students is subject to the Honors and Final Class Rank policy. For the purpose of calculating honors and class rank, students retaking a course will have the two grades averaged together.


Q: When will Commencement information be available?

A: The date for Commencement for the current academic year can be found on the MSU Law Academic Calendar. Commencement information will be sent to each degree candidate during his or her final semester. It is important to complete an application for graduation before your final semester, so you receive important graduation email communications from various MSU Law departments. For further information, visit the MSU Law Graduation Information page.


Q: When will my degree be conferred?

A: As soon as all graduation requirements are satisfied.


Q: If I did not graduate as planned, do I need to fill out another application?

A: Yes. Students apply for graduation in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, select the Academic Progress tile and expand the Graduation folder in the left navigation and choose “Apply for Graduation.”


Q: How do I get my diploma?

A: Your diploma will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your Graduation Application, and will be mailed to you from the MSU Registrar's office.  For questions, please contact the MSU Registrar's office at reg@msu.edu. 


Q: What is the size of my diploma?

A:  J.D. will be 12" x 15".  LL.M. or M.J. will be 8.5" x 11".

Diploma frames can be ordered directly from the Spartan Spirit Shop:  https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/collections/diploma-frames/College-of-Law


Q: How can I change the name on my diploma?

A: If your name has changed, you may have your diploma and records adjusted. Visit the MSU Registrar's Office with documentation or mail your request to Michigan State University Registrar's Office, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603.  You can also contact them via email at: reg@msu.edu.


Q: How do I order a replacement diploma or additional copies of my diploma?

A: To order a duplicate or replacement diploma, please contact the MSU Registrar's Office Records & Degree team at (517) 353-5151 or es.ro.records.degree@msu.edu. The fee is $50 and can be paid for by check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing.


Q: What is the best bar prep course?

A: MSU Law does not officially endorse any particular prep course provider for the bar exam. Contact the Academic Success Program, Room 230, for academic course recommendations and study tips to help you prepare for the bar. 


Q: How do I obtain a copy of my law school application?

A: In order to retrieve your law school application from LSAC, please follow the detailed instructions (PDF). This application will NOT include any updates/amendments you made after initially applying to MSU Law. To review your application with any updates/amendments you submitted, please contact the MSU Law Registrar’s Office.


Q: Where can I find my character & fitness and degree verification forms for taking the bar exam?

A: Most jurisdictions include these forms in the application packet or kit for the bar exam. Contact your jurisdiction if these forms are not in your application packet or on their website. 


Q: I need the Dean to sign a bar application form. Where do I submit the form(s)? 

A: Submit the form(s) to the MSU Law Registrar's Office.


Q: When should I submit my character & fitness and degree verification forms to the Registrar's Office?

A: It is strongly recommended that you submit these forms at least 3 months before you plan on taking the bar exam. 


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Current, Prospective, and Former Students-General, Transcripts, and Lost & Found

Q: How do I order my transcript?

A: Students can view their unofficial transcripts in the Student Information System (SIS) at student.msu.edu. After logging in, click on the Academic Records tile and select “View Unofficial Transcript” and select “Submit.” 


Q: How can I obtain the description of a course I took?

A: Go to the College of Law Course Descriptions page. If your course cannot be found there, contact the MSU Law Registrar’s Office


Q: Where is the Law College’s lost and found located?

A: Welcome Center, located outside the Law Library on the first floor.


Q: Where can I buy MSU Law textbooks on-campus? 

A: The Spartan Bookstore located in the MSU International Center.


Q: What do I do if I lost my PAN number?

A: To request your PAN online, go to the online MSU PAN Request System


Q: What do I do if I lost my MSU NetID and password?

A: Go to NetID page. 


Q: What are my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

A: Visit Student Handbook: Privacy Rights Under FERPA


Q: What if my question is not answered here and/or I need further clarification on a question answered here?

A: Contact the MSU Law Registrar’s Office by emailing them at regist@law.msu.edu


Published December 17, 2021