Sept. 17, 2025
An email was sent out regarding the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs (FASA) and the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD) integration. This merger of OFASD into FASA will provide an integrated structure and expanded capacity to enhance collaboration and streamline support for the campus community, while also aligning with the university’s broader “One Team” approach.
Aug. 22, 2025
The Important University Policies for Faculty and Academic Staff document provides information regarding university policies related to teaching, research, and employment at MSU. It is a helpful document pertaining to the ongoing work of faculty and academic staff and a useful resource to reference throughout the academic year. Learn more about 2025 updates on our policies page.
May 19, 2025
An email was sent to provide guidance and support deans and unit administrators in navigating recently announced budget reductions, with an accompanying document that should be used in consultation with FASA directors should there be a need for reductions in force.
April 24, 2025
An email was sent out to share updates about the Fixed-Term Faculty Promotion process, designed to better reflect their work and contributions, and to provide greater clarity and consistency across the university.
March 31, 2025
An email was sent out regarding tenure clock extensions, including resources available to the campus community. To assist faculty in understanding the process, there is an Extending the Tenure Clock Policy, a tip sheet on extending the tenure clock and an assistant professor tenure clock guide.
March 27, 2025
An email was sent to share MSU’s Paid Family Sick Leave Policy for faculty and academic staff for salaried faculty and academic staff to support family caregiving needs related to medical issues, including but not limited to diagnosis, illness, treatment, and preventative care. This policy brings clarity and consistency to longstanding practices and aligns with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act.
March 17, 2025
The university finalized and implemented revised guidelines for assistant dean and associate dean positions, effective March 10, 2025. Informed by benchmarking and stakeholder feedback, these updates reflect a commitment to equity, consistency and flexibility across the institution while recognizing the unique needs of each college. Some of the key changes include:
Resources have been developed to assist deans with this process, including “MSU Guidelines – Position Differentiation for Associate and Assistant Deans,” which is available on our Tip Sheets, Resources and Forms page. A Phase 2 project will focus on developing university-wide criteria and guidance for promotion to senior assistant dean.
Feb. 26, 2025
MSU is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment. The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President of Administration recently announced the introduction of the interim Policy on Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct. The new policy protects university community members from retaliation when they report concerns in good faith or participate in an investigation or review of misconduct. It complements, rather than replaces, existing university policies that prohibit retaliation. Read the full joint message that was sent out on Feb. 26, 2025.
Feb. 10, 2025
We are excited to announce changes to the policy formerly known as Course Fee Courtesy, beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. Key updates: the new policy name, Tuition Benefit Program, provides greater clarity and aligns with naming conventions used by peer institutions; the credit limit for the benefit has been increased to a maximum of 134 credits or until the first bachelor's degree is completed. elimination of the five-year waiting period for all full-time employees; updated language throughout. Read about the policy, which the Board of Trustees approved on Feb. 7, 2025.
Dec. 6, 2023
Teresa Mastin has been selected as MSU's next vice provost and associate vice president for faculty and academic staff affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Oct. 26, 2023
Email from Interim Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs Ann Austin to call attention to the implementation of the changes in the Awarding Emeritum Status policy which replaced the prior Emeritus policy in June 2022. One of the primary changes was to how Emeritum status is granted. Previously, emeritus status was granted automatically. Emeritum status is now requested and reviewed through an approval process. Individuals seeking Emeritum status must complete the new Emeritum Request Form before or at the time of retirement.
Nov. 3, 2022
Email from Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs Ann Austin to call attention to the policy for requesting an extension of the tenure system probationary appointment. The policy includes a number of reasons for automatic extensions.
Dec. 20, 2022
Email to Faculty and Academic Staff regarding Michigan State University's commitment to the value of inclusion and it has always been our policy to permit students, faculty and staff to observe holidays set aside by their chosen religious faiths. As we have furthered our commitment through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan, we are pleased to announce forthcoming revisions to the current Religious Observance Policy.