2008-09 - MSU College of Music - Michigan State University

The College of Music recognizes that on occasion, significant conflicts can arise betweenteachers and students. When such cases arise, the College will endeavor to make morecompatible assignments.When a current student desires to change a studio• The student should speak directly with the instructor. If this is not possible thestudent should speak with the area chair or the appropriate Associate Dean of theCollege of Music.• The area chair (or appropriate associate dean if the transfer is requested from thestudio of the area chair) must be consulted. Approval must be granted for achange in studio assignment to take place. Any decision may be appealed to theappropriate associate dean or the dean of the College of Music.• The student must speak with a prospective teacher to see if there is room availablein that studio.• The student should speak with and inform the current teacher about thereassignment.• Reassignment takes placeWhen a faculty member believes there may be a need to change a teacher-student assignment,the following procedure is suggested: (There is an expectation that once assigned to a givenstudio, all effort will be expended to ensure that there is a positive learning experience for thestudent and that the student will remain in that studio for the duration of their degree work.Reassignments will take place only in the case of irreconcilable differences)If a teacher believes that a problem is developing, it is the responsibility of the teacher tocommunicate this to the student outlining measures to improve the situation. At the time adecision may be made to reassign a student, it should never be a surprise to the student that theteacher perceived there was a problem.• If a problem is irreconcilable and the current teacher desires a given student bereassigned, that teacher must consult with and gain the approval of the area chair.If the teacher in question is an area chair, he/she must consult with the appropriateassociate dean of the College of Music.• Any decision may be appealed to the appropriate associate dean/dean of theCollege of Music.• Once approval is given for a change in teacher assignment, the teacher/areachair/associate dean must speak with prospective teacher to see if there is roomavailable in that studio.• The teacher should speak with and inform the student about this situation.• If there are problems at this level, any party should consult the appropriateassociate dean. Ultimately, teaching assignments are the responsibility of theDean of the College of Music.Performance JuriesPerformance juries are required of each student in the College of Music. Performance areasdetermine the frequency of juries.55