ISS Policies
In general, overrides into ISS courses are not allowed. Instead, we recommend that students place themselves on the wait list for a preferred course. If a student is on the wait list for a preferred course while simultaneously enrolled in another ISS course or in a course that has a conflicting schedule, use the swap function to facilitate enrollment if a seat opens in the preferred course. You can learn more about that here.
No overrides into online courses or courses with 25 or fewer seats are provided. Each semester, we receive far too many requests to accommodate. Enrollment in these courses is on a first-come, first-served basis only. Unfortunately, work schedules, physical location, and other personal factors cannot be taken into account when considering overrides.
Requests for overrides into in-person ISS 300-level courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis in the following situations:
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A student will complete their degree in the current semester and this course is the only option to complete graduation requirements.
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A student is unable to enroll into an ISS course due to the enrollment system not recognizing transfer credit or substitutions as fulfillment of a prerequisite. Requests for prerequisite overrides must be for an open section.
If a student has completed an ISS 200-level or 300-level course, they will be prevented from enrolling in another course at that same level. For example, if a student completed ISS 210, they will be unable to enroll in ISS 215. In this situation, overrides will be considered on a case-by-case basis in the following situations:
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The course is part of a study away or study abroad program
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The course is part of a student’s major or minor
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A student needs the course to complete an IDN requirement
If you meet any of the criteria outlined above, you may submit a request for consideration using this form. Requests will be verified based on student records when possible.
Prior to submitting the form, ensure any enrollment holds have been removed from your student account.
Late adds and reenrollment
We will not add students to courses after open-add period at the start of fall and spring semesters. Instead, we offer late-start sections of courses that students can select. Check the class schedule to find the specific sections of these courses each semester.
Disenrollments
For disenrollments, we will place students back into the course and section of their original enrollment after holds are cleared.
Inadvertent Drops
Students who mistakenly drop an ISS class after open enrollment ends will be re-enrolled in the same section they mistakenly dropped. We will not switch sections in multi-section courses.
Email iss@msu.edu to request reenrollment.
Using Transfer Credit to Fulfill Your ISS Requirement
New Transfer Students
Transfer students, like first-time MSU students, are required to meet ISS requirements. However, transfer students may have completed courses at other institutions prior to matriculation at MSU that can be applied to fulfill their ISS 200 level requirement, their ISS 300 level requirement, or both.
If you are transferring courses to MSU, consult Transfer MSU to determine the ISS transfer equivalencies that have been approved for your institution. If you do not find a course listed in Transfer MSU, contact your academic advisor to discuss options. You may need to provide a course syllabus and other relevant course materials for review.
Current MSU Students
Current MSU students may fulfill ISS requirements by transferring credits from other institutions, but only when the course has been approved as an "exact match" equivalent to a specific ISS course. Consult Transfer MSU to determine the ISS transfer equivalencies that have been approved for each institution.
If a course is not listed in Transfer MSU, contact your academic advisor to discuss options.
All Students
If you have questions after reviewing this information and speaking with your academic advisor, contact the Center for Integrative Studies in Social Science at iss@msu.edu.