Student Bulletin: August/September 2025

MSU alum (’03) Chad Rehmann, now a composer and guest lecturer on music business, has created a free guide to help students build the business skills needed to launch their freelance career. Whether you are a composer, performer, or plan to start a teaching studio and have ever wondered, “What do I do after I graduate?” – this guide will walk you through it: quickstart.greyduckmusic.com/msu

To learn more about Chad, visit chadrehmann.com.

Students will only be asked for their name and email address to access the guide. This is so you can also receive occasional follow-up resources related to freelancing in music, including a monthly tips/tricks for recent grads newsletter, future handouts, online course opportunities, etc. Information is always free and always designed to support your transition from school to career. You can unsubscribe at any time with a single click, and your information will never be shared.

 

 

A reminder from Associate Dean Derrick Fox:

MSU Graduate Student Community Wellbeing

Dear Graduate Students,

As we begin the semester, I want to remind you of Michigan State University’s commitment to maintaining a respectful, safe, and professional community. Each of us plays an important role in shaping the culture, climate and community of the College of Music, both in person and online.

Key Policies

• Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP): Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are not tolerated.
• Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) Policy: Relationship violence, sexual misconduct, and stalking are prohibited.

Your Role in our Community

• Be respectful in all interactions with classmates, faculty, and staff.
• Model professionalism, especially for those serving as Graduate Assistants.
• Remember that language matters. The way we speak to and about others can build trust or create barriers. Thoughtful communication helps everyone succeed.
• Extend these expectations to digital spaces. Social media, group chats, and online forums are part of our community. Posts, comments, and messages should reflect the same professionalism and respect we expect in classrooms, rehearsals, and studios.
• If you witness concerning behavior, consider addressing directly (if safe), seeking help, or checking in afterward with those affected.

Here are some approaches you may find helpful when addressing concerning behavior or language:

• Stay calm and composed. Use a steady tone of voice and neutral body language if in person.
• Focus on the behavior, not the person. For example: “That comment is not appropriate for this setting,” instead of “You’re being disrespectful.”
• Use brief, direct responses. Simple phrases like “Let’s keep this professional” or “That language doesn’t belong here” help set boundaries quickly.
• Redirect or provide a chance to reframe. You might say, “Let’s stay on topic,” or “Would you like to rephrase that?”
• Refer to shared values. Remind others of our commitment to respect and professionalism.
• Prioritize safety. If a situation feels unsafe or escalates, disengage and seek support from a faculty member, administrator, or campus resource.

Resources Available

• Office for Civil Rights & Title IX Education and Compliance (OIE): Reporting and policy guidance
• Prevention, Outreach & Education (POE): Training and workshops
• Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Confidential mental health support

Each of us has a pivotal role in contributing to our College’s culture, climate and community. By treating others with respect in our words, actions, and digital presence we strengthen the College of Music as a place where all can learn and thrive.

Thank you for the important role you play in our community.

Dr. Derrick Fox
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, and Creative Endeavors
Professor of Choral Music
Faculty Excellence Advocate
College of Music
Michigan State University

University Health and Wellbeing (UHW) Offers Some Prepaid Primary Care & No-Cost Mental Health Options for Students: The academic year can bring many challenges to students, and navigating healthcare shouldn’t be one of them. University Health and Wellbeing (UHW) offers some prepaid primary care and no cost mental health options for students that we want to ensure you are aware of.  Feeling under the weather? Through UHW Campus Health Services, enrolled MSU students are eligible for three prepaid primary care visits with each academic year. Appointments are available online at UHW’s website and often next-day.  Struggling with stress, anxiety, or other adjustment concerns? UHW’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers a range options to get support.  Though CAPS, eligible enrolled students receive three lifetime psychiatry visits. CAPS Connect provides a place for students to talk about concerns during a brief, free, confidential conversation available to enrolled students. You can have a mental health professional listen to you and offer support, or you might prefer to receive expert suggestions about solutions and resources. Togetherall is a free, anonymous, peer-to-peer mental health platform available to all MSU students. Encourage students to join for round-the-clock support, moderated by licensed clinicians.

This week, THURSDAY, September 11, free hearing testing will be available on a walk-in basis from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the mobile testing lab that will be parked outside of the Music Building.

Online, we have a long list of information and reasons why testing your hearing and protecting your ears as a musician is so important!

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 3:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
Music Practice Building, 219

This workshop aims to equip freelance musicians with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate self-employment taxes. Attendees will learn best practices for documenting income and expenses, understanding key tax forms, and maintaining ongoing records to simplify the tax filing process.

A reminder that all Graduate Students need to complete their Responsible Conduct of Research and CITI Modules in their first semester.

For information and links, visit the Responsible Conduct of Research Requirements page in the Student Resources section of the college website.

In case you missed it…A note on artificial intelligence from MSU’s provost:

Dear Spartans,

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly prominent role across campus and the many communities with which we engage. At Michigan State University (MSU), we are proud that our exploration of AI is guided by ethics and grounded in our core values, ensuring it enhances our mission and strengthens the Spartan impact. MSU encourages all members of the university community to engage with AI tools responsibly, ethically, and creatively—always keeping in mind that academic and administrative decisions must remain grounded in human judgment and input.

As we begin the fall semester, we are excited to announce new resources and opportunities to engage as a campus community around AI.

Launch of ai.msu.edu
This new university resource hub for AI-related information, tools, research, and events will serve as a central location for our community to access MSU resources and guidelines, explore educational opportunities, and learn about the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.

New Campus-Wide Guidelines for Generative AI
We are releasing updated Guidelines for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools, which supersede all previously issued AI guidance. These guidelines set clear expectations for ethical, responsible, and transparent use of AI across educational, research, scholarship, artistic endeavors, and administrative contexts. They reflect our commitment to innovation while safeguarding academic integrity, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring equitable access. These guidelines represent the first step in consolidating all previous AI-related guidance issued across campus. They will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect emerging technologies and evolving best practices.

We encourage you to visit ai.msu.edu to read the newly updated guidelines and explore the available resources. MSU is committed to harnessing AI’s transformative potential while ensuring its use reflects the highest standards of responsibility, integrity, and academic excellence.

Sincerely,

Laura Lee McIntyre, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
MSU Research Foundation Professor, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education

Recording Services has announced upcoming livestream/recording training available for students and faculty as follows:

September 8, 1-2pm, Murray Hall
September 8, 3-4pm, Hollander Hall
September 10, 3-4pm, Cook Recital Hall

No rsvp required. Stop by and make sure you know how our systems work in each hall to avoid struggles on recital days.

DALE Arts Admin Intern @ Community Music School – Detroit (CMS-D) | due Sep 7

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10102160/share_preview 

 

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Intern – Arts Internship Award Program | due Sep 7

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10194435/share_preview 

 

Arts Admin Intern @ MSU Community Music School – Detroit (CMS-D) – Arts Internship Award Program (AIAP) | due Sep 7

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10097881/share_preview 

 

University Arts & Collections (UAC) Intern – Arts Internship Award Program | due Sep 7

(Note: There are 3 intern openings in this role, 2 of which are reserved for College of Music Students. All applicants, regardless of their college, should use the same Handshake posting below to apply.)

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10078302/share_preview 

 

Class Saxophone Instructor Internship – Detroit Arts Leadership Experience (DALE) Internship program @ MSU Community Music School Detroit (CMS-D) | due Sep 7

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10066362/share_preview

 

Social Media Arts Internship Award Program (AIAP) Intern @ Crescendo Detroit | due Sep 7

$1500 scholarship, Hybrid internship offered through the Running Start Office in partnership with grassroots neighborhood arts organization Crescendo Detroit (founded by MSU alum Damien Crutcher). Will require occasional travel to Detroit and Ann Arbor. 

https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10043306/share_preview 

 

CMS-East Lansing Children’s Choir Internship | Apps due by 8AM on Sept. 4th

*Paid | Starts Sept. 9th and meets Tuesdays from 4:45-5:45PM (one internship available; working with grades 2-5)

Interested candidates should contact Karen Salvador at ksal@msu.edu. Please send her a note of interest and your resume.

 

Kick off the new academic year with friends, faculty, and staff at the College of Music Welcome Celebration on Adams Field, from 3 to 5 PM.

Enjoy live music, delicious food, and fun games as we come together to reconnect and celebrate the start of the semester. It’s a great way to meet new faces, catch up with colleagues, and relax with the College of Music community.

Whether you are returning to campus or joining us for the first time, know that we are here to support you and celebrate the many ways you contribute to our vibrant community.

Our regular Student Bulletin is one of the most important tools to help you stay connected. Each edition will highlight opportunities, reminders, and events designed to enrich your experience, so we encourage you to browse the information.

This year, we are especially focused on supporting student access and engagement. Through our Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), you’ll find advising, counseling, health and wellness resources, and career development tools to guide your journey. We also encourage you to explore co-curricular opportunities — from workshops and masterclasses to lectures and special events.

Equally important are the moments we share together as a community. We invite you to connect with friends, faculty, and colleagues at dean’s lunches, and to share your voice through the Student Advisory Group — or even join if you’re interested in taking part.

This is a time for us to connect and grow together. We are excited for the year ahead and grateful to have you as part of our College.

Start the semester strong! Join the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), Running Start, and CAPS Counseling for the Career + Health & Wellness Fair on Wednesday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Billman Music Pavilion Lobby.

The last day for students to add or drop a class on their own is Friday, August 30. After this date, changes to your schedule will require additional approval, so please take a moment now to review your classes and make sure your schedule is set. If you have questions about your options or next steps, reach out to your advisor — but remember, this week is your window to make changes directly.

With the MSU football game against Western Michigan on Friday, August 29 (7:00 p.m. kickoff), building access will be adjusted.

• Music and Music Practice buildings will lock at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, and re-open at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30.
• Between 4:00–11:00 p.m. on Friday, students may enter only through the main Music Building entrance by showing their MSU ID card. Please note: On Friday, from 11:00 PM to midnight, both buildings will be locked to everyone.

Please plan ahead for your practice and rehearsal needs, and thank you for your cooperation during game day.

Kick off the new academic year with friends, faculty, and staff at the College of Music Welcome Celebration on Adams Field, from 3 to 5 PM.

Enjoy live music, delicious food, and fun games as we come together to reconnect and celebrate the start of the semester. It’s a great way to meet new faces, catch up with colleagues, and relax with the College of Music community.