Advising

Hello MSW students!

This page was created by the Academic Advisors Team to keep you up to date about happenings within the School of Social Work and the University as well as to provide you with important information and resources.

Advising Team

As advisors, we are here to help you register for classes and create a program plan. We can help you decide on a concentration, help explain the program requirements, and assist you in picking electives. We are also here to provide resources and help address any issues or concerns you may have during your time in the program. We are here to provide academic guidance and support as you pursue your MSW!

In attempt to support you, and keep you updated on happenings around the school, within your programming, and in your communities, we send out monthly Advising Updates (end of the month – in preparation for the upcoming month).  Please review carefully.  The ones that have been sent can be reviewed below:

MSU Advising Team Updates May 2024 

MSU Advising Team Updates April 2024 

MSU advising Team Updates March 2024 

MSU Advising Team Updates February 2024

MSU Advising Team Updates January 2024 

 

Jennifer Scholes
Academic Advisor
Jennifer Scholes
warrenj7@msu.edu
Kelly Fornwalt
MSW Program Assistant Director and Academic Advisor
Kelly Fornwalt, LMSW
fornwalt@msu.edu

 

Resources 

Michigan State University offers resources to students to ensure students are supported throughout their academic journey. If you need any support in accessing any of the university resources or are in need of a service but do not know if it’s offered by the university or our partners, please contact your academic advisor.  

  • SIS Enrollment Support

    SIS Enrollment Support

    This site has helpful guides that give step-by-step instructions with screenshots for things like enrolling in classes, dropping classes, swapping classes, etc. There is also contact information for the SIS Support Line.

  • D2L

    D2L

    D2L is the website you will use to access your classes. Each instructor may use D2L differently, so make sure you acclimate yourself to the class D2L page the first week of classes, and reach out to your instructors with any questions. MSU has a D2L Training Course that students can enroll in. This training contains documentation and video tutorials covering the most commonly used aspects of the D2L Learning Environment as well as success tips and practice activities to complete.

  • GradPlan Instructions

    GradPlan Instructions

    Please use this link to receive instructions on how to complete your GradPlan. This will show you step by step instructions on how to complete your GradPlan along with providing information on how to troubleshoot. 

  • Technology Support

    Technology Support

    The MSU IT Service Desk provides the primary technology support for the MSU community, which includes students. Additionally, the IT Service Desk handles service requests and service management for MSU Information Technology. Please contact them for any technology-related issues.

  • The Writing Center

    The Writing Center

    The Writing Center is a great university resource. It offers one-on-one peer writing consultations, writing workshops, and graduate and creative writing groups. 

  • Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

    Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

    The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities offers support, opportunities, resources, and services for students with disabilities. One of the most commonly used resources is called a VISA. This is documentation the RCPD provides that enables students to receive accommodations for classes. 

  • Library

    Library

    Students have access to critical library collections and services! Get material mailed to your home and have reference consultations with librarians 24/7 through chat or email. MSU Libraries has a wealth of resources to help with distance learning, including streaming media, reliable information in the field of social work and more. The one-east section of the Main Library is now open for study, computer use, and printing Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. We also have an incredibly knowledgeable librarian, Carin Graves, that works exclusively with students in the social sciences at all levels.  If you have any questions, please reach out to her and she is more than happy to help! 

  • School of Social Work Directory

    School of Social Work Directory

    Use this link to locate contact information for all the staff and faculty within the School of Social Work.

  • Certificate Programs

    Certificate Programs

    This website provides information regarding the certificate programs offered within the School of Social Work. Each certificate has its own page with information about required classes, benefits of the certificate, contact information for the certificate coordinator, and more. For more information regarding a specific certificate, please be sure to contact the certificate coordinator.

  • School of Social Work Scholarships

    School of Social Work Scholarships

    The School of Social Work offers scholarships for MSW students that can be found on this website. Applications for these scholarships are available in March. 

  • Ombudsperson

    Ombudsperson

    The Office of the University Ombudsperson offers a confidential place to discuss both academic and nonacademic concerns that may relate to Michigan State University students. We also interpret and explain university policies and procedures. Here, you can speak freely because the Office of the University Ombudsperson offers an environment where you can talk with a confidential and impartial resource about a complaint, conflict or problem. They are not part of any formal University process. They do not take sides in disputes. We operate independently of the University. You may contact them at any point in your academic journey.

Licensure Resources 

A part of your journey as a social worker may include pursuing licensure.  We have compiled a list of resources and helpful links that may assist in beginning the licensure process. 

Important Dates

Registration Information

If you have questions about your schedule, please contact your Advisor.

To find what courses and sections to register for, please review your program option’s schedule and use the Current Courses pdfs. These pdfs also show what electives are offered by the School of Social Work.

If a required course section is full, please start by contacting your Advisor. If approved, please complete an Override Request Form. Once the Grad Office has received and reviewed your submission, they will automatically enroll you in the requested course(s). Please note that you can request overrides for multiple courses on one submission. Some 400-level courses may require an override as well. If you are attempting to enroll in a 400-level course in the School of Social Work that has open seats and are not able to, please fill out the override form.

For help with the SIS Enrollment system, please visit SIS Enrollment Support.

Clinical vs. OCL

We know that students sometimes struggle deciding between the Clinical and Organization and Community Leadership concentrations, and we are here to help! Here are some resources that explain more about these options.

Learn more about the Clinical concentration.

Learn more about the Organization and Community Leadership concentration.

What’s the difference between macro and micro Social Work?

Important to note: your concentration does not impact what license you can apply for. You can contact your Advisor to talk more about these concentrations.

MSW