Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Master s Program Handbook. Updated: 10/09

Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Master’s Program Handbook

Table of Contents

I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW ... 1

MS Requirements Checklist ... 1

II. PROGRAM COMPONENTS/PLAN OPTIONS ... 4

Basic Program ... 4

Graduate Specialization in Food Safety ... 4

Master’s Specialization in Agribusiness ... 5

Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine ... 6

III. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ... 8

Requirements for Admission ... 8

Degree Requirements ... 8

IV. SELECTION OF THESIS/DISSERTATION ADVISOR ... 9

V. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE ... 10

VI. THESIS/DISSERTATION DEFENSE AND FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION ... 10

VII. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE ... 11

VIII. INTEGRITY AND SAFETY IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES ... 11

IX. STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION ... 14

X. WORK RELATED POLICIES ... 15

XI. UNIVERSITY RESOURCES ... 16

I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The program leading to the degree of master of science is designed to develop an in-depth knowledge in an area of veterinary science and teach the student how to conduct independent research by designing scientific studies; acquiring, analyzing, and evaluating scientific data; and preparing materials for presentation and publication.

A detailed explanation of the requirements can be found in Section III. Degree Requirements. Sample forms can be found in the appendix.

MS Requirements Checklist



1. Select Guidance Committee, with help of academic advisor. Forward this information to the graduate secretary. Recommended completion by the end of semester one.

2. Obtain and complete a Report of Guidance Committee form from the graduate secretary. Complete the form with the help of academic advisor using the guidelines stated in Section III. Degree

Requirements. The graduate secretary will type the form and assist in obtaining approval signatures. Recommended completionby the end of semester two. Changes to this report can be made at any time using the Report of Guidance Committee Change form.

3. Schedule formal research proposal seminar. Forward the information to the graduate secretary at least two weeks before the seminar so an announcement can be distributed. The graduate secretary will assist in obtaining a room, if necessary. Must be completed by the end of semester three or by completion of 12 credits and before research data collection is underway.

4. Complete coursework as outlined on Report of Guidance Committee (30 credit hours required).

5.

6.

All graduate students must register for 1 (one) credit of LCS 813 in spring semester of each year. This course can be passed by attending the monthly departmental seminars and also the thesis proposal presentations and thesis defense seminars of other students.

Attendance will be taken and a passing grade will require attendance at 75% of the seminars presented throughout the academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Prepare Master’s Thesis— Guidelines for the preparation of the thesis are outlined in the Formatting Guide for Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Dissertations available at The Graduate School’s website. All of the guidelines outlined in this guide must be followed. See:

http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/. A draft of the thesis must be delivered to the guidance committee a minimum of two weeks before the defense.

________

7. Apply for graduation at the very beginning of the semester in which you plan to defend your thesis. This is done on-line at The Graduate School website: http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/

7. Schedule thesis defense seminar. Forward the information to the graduate secretary at least two weeks before the defense seminar so an announcement can be distributed. The graduate secretary will assist in obtaining a room, if necessary. Note: Students MUST be registered the semester in which they defend their thesis.

8. Successfully defend thesis (open seminar followed by closed examination by Guidance Committee).

9. Submit thesis to The Graduate School. Complete within 6 years from the first course taken on Report of Guidance Committee.

Students select an advisor as part of the admissions process. The student and advisor then select members to serve on a guidance committee. See Section IV. Selection of Thesis/Dissertation Advisor for details. Members are selected based on their ability and willingness to support the student’s research interests. The guidance committee helps the student outline a program of study that will provide the knowledge and experience needed to pursue research in a particular area and meet the departmental and university requirements for the MS degree. The student presents a research proposal seminar to the entire faculty so that the research project can be fine-tuned from the comments received. After the student successfully completes the coursework and research, he/she will write a thesis and present a thesis defense seminar.

While working toward the MS degree, students are invited and encouraged to attend research proposal and thesis/dissertation defense seminars of other students. Notification of these events will be sent via email.

A graduate student representative from LCS is expected to serve on the following committees to provide a student perspective when making recommendations and/or decisions.

LCS Postgraduate Training Committee (1 year appointment; elected by ballot) CVM Library Committee (indefinite appointment; volunteer)

CVM Committee on Graduate Study and Research, 2 student representatives (1 year appointment; elected by ballot)

CVM Committee on Diversity & Affirmative Action, 1 student representative (1 year appointment; elected by ballot)

CVM Committee on Graduate Grievance Hearings, 3 students from each department (1 year appointment; volunteer)

Council of Graduate Students (indefinite appointment; volunteer)

The department of LCS is committed to assisting students as they obtain their graduate degree here at Michigan State. Please feel free to contact the people listed below as questions arise.

Dr. Ray Geor, Department Chairperson 355-9593 [email protected] Dr. Edward Robinson, Postgraduate Training

Committee Chairperson

353-5978 [email protected]

II. PROGRAM COMPONENTS/PLAN OPTIONS

Basic Program

While LCS offers both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis) MS programs, the Plan B is permitted only in rare instances. If the guidance committee specifically recommends the Plan B option, requirements necessary for substitution of the thesis will be prescribed and approved by the Postgraduate Training Committee (PGTC). A final examination or evaluation

administered by at least two faculty members and two papers submitted for publication are possible requirements for substitution.

Specializations

Graduate Specialization in Food Safety

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, the College of Human Medicine, the College of Natural Science, the College of Social Science, and the College of Veterinary Medicine participate in the graduate specialization in food safety. The College of Veterinary Medicine is the primary administrative unit.

The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in a master’s degree program in the departments of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Communication, Entomology, Epidemiology, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Horticulture, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Packaging, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Plant Pathology, and Sociology.

The specialization is designed for students who are interested in enhancing the focus of their study on food safety so they can apply their knowledge from basic disciplines to solve problems in the area of food safety.

A faculty member who is in the department that administers the student’s degree program will serve as the student’s academic adviser for the specialization. The academic adviser will assist the student in planning a program of study that is related to the student’s interests, capabilities, and professional goals. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Food Safety

The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic adviser for the specialization. To qualify for this graduate specialization, the student must meet the requirements specified below:

CREDITS 1. Maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the courses that are

used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization. 2. Complete both of the following seminar courses (2 credits):

VM 828 Food Safety Seminar Series ... 1 VM 829 Problems in Food Safety ... 1

3. Complete one course from each of the following topic areas in food safety (9 credits):

Risk/Public Health

EPI 813 Investigation of Disease Outbreaks ... LCS 830 Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Public Health

Impact of Food-borne Diseases ... VM 831 Foodborne Disease Epidemiology for the Professional ... VM 832 Food Safety Disease Control ... 3

3 3 3

Human Dimensions

FSC 421 Food Laws and Regulations ... 3 PKG 480 Packaging Laws and Regulations ... 3 SOC 950 Topics in Rural and Environmental Studies ... 3

Food

FSC 440 Food Microbiology ... 3 FSC 840 Advanced Food Microbiology ... 3 FSC 842 Foodborne Disease ... 3

A list of supporting electives for the graduate specialization in food safety, depending on the student’s individual focus of study in food safety is available from the student’s academic adviser.

Upon completion of the requirements for the master’s degree and the requirements for the specialization in food safety, the student should contact the chairperson of the department that administers the student’s degree program and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the

chairperson of the department, the Director of the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, and the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript.

Master’s Specialization in Agribusiness

The Master’s specialization in Agribusiness is designed to serve students who are interested in careers in agribusiness. The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s degree programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, The Eli Broad Graduate School of management, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The specialization is administered by the Department of Agricultural Economics.

The student’s program of study for the specialization must be approved by the academic adviser for agribusiness. Through the selection of courses, the specialization complements the student’s master’s degree program. Students in agriculturally related disciplines complete courses in business management, marketing, finance, and human resource management as applied to agribusiness firms. Students in business management fields complete courses in agribusiness. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.

Requirements for the Master’s Specialization in Agribusiness

The student must complete:

CREDITS 1. One of the following courses: ... 3

AEC 800 Foundations of Agricultural Economics ... 3 EC 805 Microeconomic Analysis ... 3 Requirement 1. will be waived for students who have completed an

intermediate-level course in microeconomics.

2. Two of the following courses: ... 6 AEC 851 Agricultural Firm Management ... 3 AEC 853 Financial Management in Agriculture ... 3

AEC 857 Strategic Management in Agribusiness ... 3

Agricultural Economics 851 or 853 or 857 may be used to satisfy either requirement 2. or requirement 3., but not both of those requirements. 3. Two of the following courses: ... 6

ACC 800 Financial Accounting Concepts... 3

ACC 840 Managerial Accounting ... 3

AEC 817 Political Economy of Agricultural and Trade Policy ... 3

AEC 831 Food Marketing Management ... 3

AEC 839 Applied Operations Research ... 3

AEC 841 Analysis of Food System Organization and Performance ... 3 AEC 845 Commodity Market Analysis ... 3

AEC 851 Agricultural Firm Management ... 3

AEC 853 Financial Management in Agriculture ... 3

AEC 855 Agricultural Production Economics ... 3

AEC 857 Strategic Management in Agribusiness ... 3

GBL 848 Legal Environment of Business ... 3

LIR 823 Organizational Behavior in Labor and Industrial Relations ... 3

LIR 824 Human Resource Strategies and Decisions ... 3

LIR 825 Compensation and Benefit Systems ... 3

LIR 858 Collective Bargaining ... 3

MGT 806 Management and Organizational Behavior ... 3

MGT 810 Human Resource Management ... 3

MSC 800 Materials and Logistics Management ... 3

MSC 805 Marketing Management ... 3

MSC 806 Marketing Analysis ... 3

MSC 808 Entrepreneurial Marketing ... 3

MSC 813 Marketing Research Methods ... 3

VM 541 Veterinary Perspectives III ... 2

Either Labor and Industrial Relations 823 or Management 806, but not both of those courses, may be used to satisfy requirement 3.

Either Labor and Industrial Relations 824 or Management 810, but not both of those courses, may be used to satisfy requirement 3.

Veterinary Medicine 541 may be used to satisfy requirement 3. only if the student also completes 1 additional credit in an approved Veterinary Medicine course.

Upon completion of the requirements for the master’s degree in one of the colleges specified above and the requirements for the Master’s Specialization in Agribusiness, the student should contact the chairperson of the department that administers the student’s degree program and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the chairperson of the department and the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript.

Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine

The Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine is designed to provide students with improved understanding of the likely consequences of increased contact between fish and wildlife, domestic animals and human populations for emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Students will gain a sound understanding of the basis of fish and wildlife disease, and an appreciation of the diagnostic and surveillance tools needed to move toward effective disease control among wild populations and ecosystems. Students will also obtain the

skills that will enable them to work effectively within interdisciplinary and interagency teams to develop disease surveillance, control, and prevention plans.

The specialization, which is administered by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is available as an elective to master’s and doctoral students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Natural Science, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Students enrolled in Plan A (thesis) master’s programs are encouraged to develop thesis topics which integrate their chosen discipline with the

interdisciplinary focus integral to this specialization. It is designed for students who are interested in combining study in their disciplines with the study of fish and wildlife disease ecology and in applying their knowledge to the management of emerging and resurging disease in fish and wildlife populations and in ecosystems.

With the approval of the department or school and college that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the graduate degree program. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic adviser for the specialization.

Requirements for the Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine

The student must:

CREDITS 1. Complete two 1-credit enrollments in the following course:

FW 893 Seminar in Fisheries and Wildlife ... 2

2. Complete the following capstone course: FW 823 Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management ... 3

3. Complete one course from each of the following topic areas ... 9 to 11 Pathology and Disease FW 423 Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease ... 3

FW 423L Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease Laboratory ... 1

FW 822 Aquatic Animal Medicine ... 3

MMG 567 Veterinary Microbiology and Infectious Disease I ... 5

MMG 569 Veterinary Microbiology and Infectious Disease II ... 5

PTH 551 General Pathology ... 3

Students who select Fisheries and Wildlife 423 must also enroll in Fisheries and Wildlife 423L concurrently. Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods EPI 810 Introduction to Descriptive and Analytical Epidemiology ... 3

FW 824 Analysis of Wildlife Populations ... 3

VM 533 Veterinary Epidemiology ... 3

Policy and Management FW 434 Human Dimensions of Fisheries and Wildlife Management ... 3

FW 811 Fisheries and Wildlife Laws and Regulations ... 3

FW 884 Outreach in Fisheries, Wildlife and Natural Resource Management ... 3 4. Master’s students will complete a thesis reflecting the integration of the

student’s discipline.

Upon completion of the requirements for the degree and the requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine, the student shall contact the Chairperson of the department that administers the student’s degree program and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the Chairperson of the Department and the Dean of the College of Agriculture and

Natural Resources, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student’s academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student’s transcript.

III. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Admission

Applicants must hold a DVM degree or an equivalent medical degree and have achieved a grade-point average of at least 3.0 or equivalent in undergraduate/professional courses. Students currently enrolled in a DVM professional program with a GPA of at least 30 are also eligible to apply. Upon petition, the Postgraduate Training Committee may recommend to the chairperson that the prerequisite of a DVM degree be waived. Potential candidates will apply for admission for graduate student status through the Office of Admissions. Application to the MS program must includea resume, statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation from three individuals capable of judging academic capabilities and accomplishments. Additional factors that will be considered include: 1) commitment from a faculty member to advise the graduate student and 2) the department's ability to provide direction to the prospective applicant's program and goals. Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the Postgraduate Training Committee, which will review the complete application package. The department chairperson in conjunction with the the Postgraduate Training Committee will determine who is accepted into the graduate program in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Provisional acceptance is granted only in rare instances. If granted, deadlines for completion of remedial work, etc. will be specified in letter of admittance.

English-language proficiency requirements for international students are consistent with the University requirements outlined on the Office of Admission’s website,

http://admissions.msu.edu/. Degree Requirements

See Section I. Program Overview for a table outlining requirements and recommended completion dates. See appendix for applicable forms.

A. Course Requirements – Course requirements include a minimum of 30 approved graduate credits, of which at least 4 but no more than 10 can be credits for thesis research. At least 16 of the credits required for a master of science degree must be taken in courses at the 800 and 900 levels. No more than 9 credits of special problems courses can be taken without approval of the Postgraduate Training Committee. A student who is enrolled in the DVM program and is also enrolled in a master’s degree program may request the application of up to 9 credits, appropriate to both programs, from the DVM program to the master’s degree program. These credits must have been earned within the time limit for completing the master’s degree program.

B. Research Proposal Seminar – Candidates for the degree of master of science in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences must present his/her research plan to the

guidance committee and department faculty in a formal research proposal seminar by the end of semester three or by completion of 12 credits..

C. Research and Thesis Requirements – The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences will certify the awarding of a master of science degree only to a student who has

successfully met all of the requirements. Only in rare instances will a student be permitted to follow a course of study without a thesis (Plan B). The latter must be recommended specifically by the guidance committee, in which case, requirements necessary for substitution of the thesis will be prescribed and approved by the

Postgraduate Training Committee. On completion of the prescribed requirements, each student will provide a bound copy of the thesis or Plan B paper to the department. Preparation of Master’s Thesis

Guidelines for the preparation of the thesis are outlined in the Formatting Guide for Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Dissertations available at The Graduate School’s website. All of the

guidelines outlined in this guide must be followed. When completed, a bound copy of the thesis must be provided by the student to the department.

Time Limit – All requirements must be completed within six calendar years of the first semester in which credit was earned toward the degree.

IV. SELECTION OF THESIS/DISSERTATION ADVISOR

Selection of an Academic Advisor

Prospective students select an advisor, a faculty member of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, as part of the admissions process. A faculty member of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences may serve as an academic advisor if at least 15% of his/her salary is from the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences’ sources. Faculty members with less than a 15% appointment in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences may advise students upon petitioning the Postgraduate Training Committee. In the case of a clinical resident pursuing a master of science degree, he/she must select an advisor within one semester of beginning the graduate program. The academic advisor and student will select a guidance committee consisting of the academic advisor and at least two additional MSU faculty members. The guidance committee will serve throughout the student's MS program. Substitutions, replacements, or additions to the committee may be made upon written approval of the Postgraduate Training Committee and the department chairperson.

Responsibility of the Academic Advisor and Guidance Committee

It will be the responsibility of the academic advisor, in consultation with the student and the guidance committee, to:

A. design a course of study that will meet the department, college, and university requirements for the degree.

B. direct the student's research program. Provision for research funding will be the responsibility of the academic advisor in conjunction with the department chairperson.

C. submit the completed Report of the Guidance Committee (list of courses and topic for thesis) to the Postgraduate Training Committee for approval by the end of semester two of the graduate program. Any change in the program must be signed by the student and his/her guidance committee and submitted to the Postgraduate Training Committee for approval. D. submit a student's progress report to the department chairperson by December 31 of each

year. The Postgraduate Training Committee will conduct individual interviews with each graduate student annually. Issues of concern raised in the interviews may require a meeting of the student and his/her guidance committee and/or involvement of the department

chairperson.

If the student’s advisor leaves MSU before a student’s Master’s Program is complete, the department chairperson will make arrangements for a new advisor, or continuance with the original advisor in the case of programs that are near completion.

If conflict arises between a student and advisor, the Grievance Procedure outlined in Section IX will be implemented.

Changes in advisor, if necessary, will be made using a Report of Guidance CommitteeChange form. The change is subject to approval of the Postgraduate Training Committee.

V. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

Students select an advisor as part of the admissions process. The student and advisor then select members to serve on a guidance committee. Members are selected based on their ability and willingness to support the student’s research interests. The academic advisor and student will select a guidance committee consisting of the academic advisor and at least two additional MSU faculty members. See Section IV. Selection of Thesis/Dissertation Advisor for details.

Substitutions, replacements, or additions to the committee may be made upon written approval of the Postgraduate Training Committee and the department chairperson.

VI. THESIS/DISSERTATION DEFENSE AND FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION

Examination

A master of science degree candidate is required to take a final examination that covers both the major and supportive fields, and includes defense of the thesis. A draft of the thesis must be delivered to the guidance committee a minimum of two weeks before the defense. One week prior to the examination date, a notice inviting all faculty members in the department to attend the defense will be distributed by the department office to all faculty in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. The guidance committee will determine the form, scope, and time of the examination. The guidance committee will determine results of the examination by simple majority vote. If the examination committee feels that the candidate has not adequately completed the examination or thesis defense, a repetition must be conducted within nine months of the original examination. A second failure will result in termination of the candidate's program.

Previously submitted theses and dissertations can be found in the MSU Main Library. LCS also keeps a library of theses and dissertations that have been submitted by LCS students. This library is in D212 (Conference Room); see staff in the department office for assistance with checkout procedures.

VII. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Academic Standards

A. Students must adhere to the university and college regulations regarding their graduate program as outlined in the Academic Programs catalog found at the Registrar’s Office website: http://www.reg.msu.edu

B. In addition, three grades below a 3.0 in graduate courses will remove the student from degree candidacy.

Unsatisfactory Progress

The student’s guidance committee meets at least once annually to review the progress of a graduate student and submit an Evaluation Form and Progress Report (see Section IV. Selection of Thesis/Dissertation Advisor). The committee will consult the MS Requirements Checklist (see Section I. Program Overview), review academic standards listed above, and evaluate research and coursework advancement.

If a student does not show satisfactory progress toward meeting academic, research, and/or thesis requirements, his/her performance will be reviewed in a meeting with the guidance committee. This committee may recommend a change in the student's program or recommend that the student be dismissed from the degree program in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. The Postgraduate Training Committee, upon review of the student's performance, will make recommendations to the department chairperson.

A student can review academic records by contacting the department graduate secretary.

The Postgraduate Training Committee will meet with graduate students and residents once each year to check student’s progress and address any concerns. This committee (made up of faculty, one graduate student and one resident) is designed to act on your behalf. They are available at any time if you need assistance. Feel free to contact the PGTC chairperson to set up an appointment.

VIII. INTEGRITY AND SAFETY IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Research Integrity

Honest and conscientious conduct of research and creative activities by students, staff, and faculty is central to the mission of MSU and the Department of LCS. As partners in scholarly activities, MSU and the Department of LCS are committed to creating an environment that promotes ethical conduct and integrity in research. Integrity in research is based not only on sound disciplinary practices, but also on a commitment to basic personal values such as fairness, equity, honesty, and respect. Integrity in research embodies a range of practices that include:

A. Honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research

B. Care and conscientiousness in generation, collection, and analysis of data C. Recognition of prior work

D. Confidentiality in peer review

E. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

F. Compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements

G. Protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of research H. Collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing of resources

For more information see Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities

http://www.grad.msu/staff/mentoreport.pdf).

Misconduct in Research

Federal and University policies define misconduct to include fabrication or falsification of data, and plagiarism. Serious or continuing non-compliance with government regulations pertaining to research may constitute misconduct as well. University policy also defines retaliation against whistle blowers as misconduct. Misconduct does not include honest errors or honest differences of opinion in the interpretation or judgment of data. The University views misconduct to be the most egregious violation of standards of integrity and as grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment of faculty and staff, dismissal of students, and revocation of degrees. It is the responsibility of the faculty, staff, and students alike to understand the University’s policies on misconduct in research, to report perceived acts of misconduct on which they have direct knowledge to the University Intellectual Integrity Officer, and to protect the rights and privacy of individuals making such reports in good faith (see Guidelines for Integrity in research and Creative Activities http://www.grad.msu/staff/mentoreport.pdf).

Research Safety

All graduate students engaged in research involving animals or unfixed animal tissues, hazardous chemicals, radiation, potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious agents, recombinant DNA, or generation of biohazardous waste are required to complete health risk assessment and training on safe work practices through the Office of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Safety (ORCBS), Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHS), and the All University Committee on Animal Use and Care (AUCAUC). Completion of these courses ensures that the University is compliant with Federal and State laws, regulations, and statutes. Training requirements will depend on specific research activities, and all training must be completed prior to conducting research. Students/PIs must get AUC-AUC approval prior to conducting research with animals. General guidelines are listed below:

a. Required of all personnel working in specific environments and/or performing duties involving work with animal or unfixed animal tissues, certain chemical regulated by OSHA and specific carcinogens (go to the ORCBS website at http:www.orcbs.msu.edu for a Listing)

Complete Exposure to Health Risk/Physical Demands form and return to MSU Occupational Health (http:// hr.msu.edu/docweb/forms.htm).

b. Required of all researchers engaging in use of hazardous chemicals:

Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety (one time course)

Hazardous Waste Refresher (required annually after completion of initial course) Security Awareness (one time course)

c. Required of all researchers working with radiation:

Radiation Safety Initial (one time course)

Radiation Safety refresher (required annually after completion of initial course) d. Required forall researchers with a reasonable anticipated risk of exposure to

bloodborne pathogens/human blood/bodily fluids:

Bloodborne Pathogen Initial (one time course)

Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher (required annually following completion of the initial course)

e. Required of all researchers working with infectious agents or recombinant DNA:

Biological Safety (one time course)

f. Required of all researchers handling live animals or animal-derived materials:

Biosafety Basics Course (http://aucauc.msu.edu) Biosafety Principles Course

g. Required of all researchers involved with animal care, treatment, and use:

IX. STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

LCS Grievance Process

LCS Graduate Student/Resident:

One of the responsibilities of the LCS Postgraduate Training Committee

(PGTC) is to assist students with problems that may be encountered during

their experience at MSU. It is our goal to help solve problems by involving

the fewest number of people. While we are available to implement the

process outlined below when a student needs assistance, we encourage all

students to consider meeting with their advisor and/or guidance committee

first. Many difficulties can be settled by communicating in a direct and

sincere manner.

--The LCS Postgraduate Training Committee

September 2003

1)

Student should contact his/her advisor and/or guidance committee to

address the issue.

2)

If the situation is not resolved or the student feels uncomfortable

addressing the issue, he/she should contact the PGTC Chairperson.

3)

If the situation is not resolved and the student is agreeable, the PGTC

Chairperson and Department Chairperson will meet with the student.

AND/OR

4)

If the situation is not resolved and the student is agreeable, the PGTC

Chairperson and the full PGTC will meet with the student.

5)

If the situation is not resolved, the student may contact the University

Ombudsman and follow the Grievance Procedure outlined in Section 5

of the

Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities

. This guide can be

found at the web site of the Ombudsman,

http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/.

6)

In all matters of conflict or grievance, all parties are to act in a

professional manner, which means with descretion, confidentiality, and

respect. Failure to act professionally could result in dismissal.

X. WORK RELATED POLICIES

LCS students with graduate assistantships are encouraged to review the ―Graduate Assistantships‖ brochure published by The Graduate School. The brochure can be found at http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/current.htm#funding. LCS offers only research assistantships, no teaching assistantships. Assistantship support will continue as long as progress is being made toward a degree (see Section VII. Departmental Policies:

Academic Performance) and funding is available. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to obtain salary support with the assistance of the advisor.

Leave/Vacation. Graduate students are entitled to University scheduled student vacations (Spring break, etc.). However, students must recognize their commitment to the research programs for which they are employed. At times, alternate vacations/days off may need to be negotiated with the student’s major advisor and agreed to by both parties.

Leave/Meeting Attendance. Leaves for meeting attendance are subject to the same requirement for mutual consent between the student and advisor as are vacation leaves. Chickering Group provides health insurance to students with an assistantship. Health insurance information can be found at the Human Resources website:

http://www.hr.msu.edu/HRsite/Benefits/Students/HealthCov/

You’ll need a College ID Tag/Building Key. This can be obtained by filling out a Request for New Network User form obtained from the Information Technology Center, 353-5551, A227 VMC. The LCS office supervisor in D202 VMC must authorize the form. When you are admitted to the University, you automatically receive a pilot email

account. In addition to the pilot account, you’ll probably want a CVM (Groupwise) email account. This can also be requested on the Request for New Network User form

mentioned above. There is a lot of information distributed via email only—you’ll want to set things up so that all your email accounts are forwarded to the one you use regularly. A mailbox will be set up for you in D211 VMC. The mailboxes for graduate students are actually hanging files located on the counter opposite the sink.

All funding questions should be directed to the graduate secretary.

The copy machine in D211 VMC can be used for research related copying ONLY! You must have an account to use it. See the office supervisor in D202 VMC about the procedure for getting set up.

XI. UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

The Graduate School

http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/

o Academic Programs Catalog (Graduate Education at MSU/Graduate Academic Programs and Requirements)

o English Language Requirements (Prospective Students/Apply for

Admission/Additional Information for Graduate Students/Frequently Asked Questions)

o Graduate Assistantships

o Fellowships, Grants, Financial Aid, and Other Funding The MSU Home Page

http://www.msu.edu/home/

o The ―Current Students‖ section will lead you to many helpful links. The Registrar’s Office

http://www.reg.msu.edu/

o Enrollment

o Schedule of Courses

XII. APPENDIX – FORMS

Report of Guidance Committee

Master of Science Program

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Name:

Tentative Thesis Title:

Proposed Courses:

Dept Number Title Credits Semester* Grade

*Indicate anticipated enrollment date.

Student

Date Approved Advisor

PGTC Approval Date:

Course requirements: A minimum of 30 approved graduate credits, of which at least 4 but no more than 10 can be credits for thesis research. At least 16 of the course credits must be taken in courses at the 800 and 900 level. Three grades below a 3.0 in graduate courses will remove the student from degree candidacy.

Master’s Program Handbook

Report of Guidance Committee

CHANGE

Master of Science Program

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Name:

Tentative Thesis Title:

Drop the Following Courses:

Dept Number Title* Credits Semester Grade

Add the Following Courses:

Dept Number Title* Credits Semester Grade

Totals after Change:

Approved Graduate Credits Thesis Credits (CHE 899) Graduate Level Credits

Change in Guidance Committee:

ADD DROP Student Date Approved Advisor Committee Member 1 Committee Member 1 Committee Member 1 PGTC Approval Date:

Course requirements: A minimum of 30 approved graduate credits, of which at least 4 but no more than 10 can be credits for thesis research. At least 16 of the course credits must be taken in courses at the 800 and 900 level. Three grades below a 3.0 in graduate courses will remove the student from degree candidacy.

Master’s Program Handbook

Name

Large Animal Clinical Sciences

MS Degree Candidate

Day, Date

Time

Place

Tentative Dissertation Title:

Title

Master’s Program Handbook

by

Name

LCS Candidate for M.S. Degree

Title

Major Professor:

Date; Time

Place

Master’s Program Handbook

Master of Science Program

Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Evaluation Form and Progress Report

Name

PID

Progress of course work: Superior Very Good Adequate Inadequate

Progress in research: Superior Very Good Inadequate No basis for judging % Completion of research:

Lit. Survey Develop. &/or Mastery of Tech. Experimental work Thesis Writing Comments:

Guidance Committee Members:

The Guidance Committee must consist of the academic advisor and at least two additional faculty members.

Advisor

Committee Member 2 Committee Member 3

Date of last meeting with Guidance Committee Report of last meeting with Guidance Committee

Expected date of next meeting with Guidance Committee

Guidance Committee Meeting History

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Note: It is expected that all students meet with their Guidance Committee at least every six months.

Master’s Program Handbook

Date Complete Guidelines for Master of Science Program to Student

Report of Guidance Committee to Student

MS Requirements Checklist (6 year time limit)

Report of Guidance Committee (Program) Approved Research Proposal Seminar Complete

Coursework Complete (30 Credits)

Final Examination/Thesis Defense Complete Thesis Submitted to The Graduate School

(Obtain the Formatting Guide for Master’s Theses and Doctoral Dissertations available at The Graduate School’s website). Advisor’s summary of overall progress:

Student’s Comments:

Annual Progress Report (Due December 31)

Annual Interview with Postgraduate Training Committee Year 1 Year 1 Year 2 Year 2 Year 3 Year 3 Year 4 Year 4 Year 5 Year 5

Student’s Signature Date Advisor’s Signature Date

Notes: