MSU is a member of the CGS Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants which states that students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. There has been a change in the process for students who want to withdraw from an offer of acceptance of financial support, starting with Fall 2020 admissions.  In this case, the applicant must first inform the program that they are withdrawing or resigning from the offer of financial support that they previously had accepted.  Starting in Fall 2020, applicants are no longer required to obtain a formal release from the program whose offer they accepted, either before or after the April 15 deadline. Once they have informed the program that they are withdrawing their acceptance of the offer, they then can accept any other offers. 

Memo from Dean Jeitshcko (Word)

CGS Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants