Dean Jeitschko sent an email on December 16, 2021 regarding a $1,500 continuing student bonus. This is an expansion of the Employee recognition bonus announced on December 13, 2021 by President Stanley. 

Who is eligible for the Continuing Student Bonus?

PhD, DMA, and MFA students who meet all the following requirements by April 1, 2022:

• are enrolled as full-time students in Spring 2022 and were enrolled full-time in the Fall 2021
• who are compliant with the university’s COVID-19 health and safety policies
• who have not and will not receive the bonus through their employment relationship with university

How will I receive the bonus?

The bonus payment will be processed through your student account. As with any refund, students will want to make sure they have signed up for direct deposit in the Student Information System (SIS) and that their current address is listed correctly in the system, as well.

When will I receive the bonus?

The bonus payment is anticipated to be processed in early February. On a weekly basis, refunds are processed on Tuesday and are generally available in bank accounts by Thursday. The exact timing of receipt will depend on when your financial institution makes the funds available after they leave the university.

What is considered full-time?

Academic Programs catalog defines full time graduate students.

Will I receive the full amount?

If you have a balance owing on your student account, MSU will take what you owe directly from this award prior to deposition. While the award may be taxable income, it will only be taxed by the university if you are an international student (as is true with scholarships/fellowships). International students will see this on your IRS Form 1042S produced at the end of the year.

If you have a Hold on your account, the bonus will not disburse. To check if you have a hold, log into student.msu.edu and your student home page will appear. There is a tile that says "Tasks". Holds are in that area. You have to click on the tile to see what the hold is.

After receiving the bonus, will I see an adjustment in my aid package?

No.