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Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Academics

Page address: https://web.mnsu.edu/family/resources/academics.html

Tips for Your Student’s Academic Success:students studying

Parents and families can be a great influence in promoting good study habits and academic choices.  As a parent/family member, you know your student’s strengths and limitations, and are in the best position to encourage and support their positive behaviors. 

Always go to class. 

A missed class might include a quiz, assignment, important notes, etc.  Missing class may also mean missing participation points. 

Use a planner/calendar.

The University bookstore sells a variety of planner as do several retail outlets in the Mankato area.  If nothing else, students can print out a calendar using one of dozens of on-line offerings.

Visit professor office hours. 

Encourage your student in utilize office hours to introduce themselves to new or unfamiliar professors, ask clarifying questions or receive help with anything misunderstood in class.

Seek advising regularly.

Students should seek regular advising to ensure they are on the right track towards a timely graduation. Building a rapport with professors/instructors can be invaluable.  

Treat school like a full-time job. 

Suggest that your student make the full investment in their education.  Challenge them on issues related to the number of hours they spend working or socializing.  Suggest they become active in the campus community by joining a student organization, intramural team, or other campus activity.

Seek academic assistance early.

As parents, knowing the support services offered to students is essential.  Encourage your student to utilize those services early rather than when the issue becomes overwhelming.

Support is key.

Offer praise and positive reinforcement regularly.  Ask your student what they think about what they learned, and not just what they learned.  This engages you in their studies.

 

Academic Success

The best advice that any student can follow is to make contact with an academic advisor early in their educational career. It is equally important for students to have frequent communication with their academic advisor.

Each student is assigned an academic advisor.  An email is sent to the students University Email account letting them know their advisor name the first semester of their enrollment.  A student can also find the name of their advisor by logging into E-Services.  Appropriate advising can help ensure that students are:

  • meeting academic requirements
  • making progress towards choosing a major
  • improving academic performance
  • completing degree requirements

There is a Student Relations Coordinator (SRC) in each college, to help manage the advising process. To declare a major or change advisors, students should contact the Student Relations Coordinator for their intended college of major. Services provided by Student Relations Coordinators include:

  • Provides general education advising
  • Advising and evaluating student transcripts for new and old general education requirements
  • Assists students in filling out graduation applications
  • Provides general information about majors and minors in the College
  • Refers students to specific faculty for academic advising
  • Conducts initial advising for students on academic probation
Student Relations Coordinators (SRC) Offices and Phone Numbers
Allied Health MF 135 507-389-5194
Arts and Humanities AH 226 507-389-1770
Business MH 151 507-389-2963
Education AH 117 507-389-1215
Nursing WH 317 507-389-6810
Science, Engineering, and Technology TR 125 507-389-1521
Social and Behavioral Sciences AH 114 507-389-6306
Undeclared PS 103 507-389-5498

The majority of major advising is at the department level in order to give students the opportunity to speak with an experienced faculty member within their chosen department for major advising, to allow students to get to know the faculty that will be teaching the majority of their classes, and to obtain advising directly from the source of the major. Students who are considering a specific major, have questions about, or are showing interest in majors within the college should utilize the office of the SRC because the Student Relations Coordinator has ample information about all majors and departments.

Academic Support Services

Undecided/Undeclared Students

103 Preska Residence Community, 507-389-5498

Undeclared advising is offered within the Office of New Student and Family Programs. Students who are unsure of their major, or are considering a change of major can schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment call 507-389-5498.

Center for Academic Success

132 Memorial Library, 507-389-1791

The Center for Academic Success is the primary academic support resource on campus and all students are welcome to use its services. Tutoring for most of the lower division courses is available at no cost to Minnesota State University, Mankato students. The tutors are experienced and have participated in College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) training as part of the national certification program. Check out the Center for Academic Success, located in the lower level of the Memorial Library. 

The Academic Computer Center

117 Wissink Hall, 507-389-6766

The Academic Computer Center (ACC) offers computer access to all registered students. Over 400 computers are available for students to use in the ACC & another 450 computers are located across campus in specialized satellite labs. The latest in hardware & software applications are available; including the internet through high-speed communications. Student assistance is available in the ACC for help with technical questions. In addition, the ACC offers free workshops each semester to assist students in learning different software programs.

Library Services

The Memorial Library provides students with access to information available at Minnesota State and at many other libraries. Assistance is available at the reference desk for students who need help finding materials or developing a research strategy. Call 389-6201 for library hours.

Student Support Services

355 Wiecking Center, 507-389-2797

Student Support Services is a federally funded program that assists students in achieving their potential both personally and academically. It is the goal of Student Support Services to retain and graduate participants from Minnesota State University, Mankato. The services, which are free to participants, include tutoring, academic advising, personal and/or career counseling, career planning, workshops, seminars, and cultural activities. Students who meet any of the following eligibility criteria, or who would like more information, should contact the Office of Student Support Services. A student is eligible for Student Support Services if:

  • The family income level meets the standards set by the U.S. Department of Education;
  • Neither parent has received a bachelors degree; or
  • The student has a documented disability.