1. Who is my academic advisor?

2. How can I change my major and/or advisor?

3. How do I know when to meet with my advisor?
   

4. How do I know what classes to take?
   

5. How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

6. What is a Registration Access Code?

7. I am trying to register and there is a hold on my account. What do I do?

8. How do I get my access code?

9. How do I enter my access code into the registration system?

10. How do I take the math and/or language placement exam(s)?

11. What are the General Education requirements?

12. What are Cultural Diversity requirements?

13. Can I repeat a course in order to protect my GPA?

14. What is the difference between withdrawing from a course and dropping a course?

15. Which year of the Bulletin I should I use?

16. How many credits should I take each semester?

17. What do I need to do if I am on academic probation?

18. What are other campus resources available to me?

 

 

Who is my academic advisor?

• Your academic advisor is assigned according to your major course of study. The Office of First Year Experience provides advising services for all students who have not chosen a major. Your advisor’s name is located at the top of your class schedule.  Your class schedule can be viewed online through the MNSU E-Services website. You can also call the Office of First Year Experience for help at 507- 389-5498.

How can I change my major and/or advisor?

• If you are declared as an undecided major and you make a decision regarding your major course of study:
  • If you have chosen a major in the College of Business, College of Education, or the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, go to the Advising Center for the college to be assigned to a new advisor.
  •  If you have chosen a major in the College of Allied Health & Nursing, College of Arts & Humanities, or the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, go directly to the department of your major to declare it, and to be assigned to a new advisor.
  •  

 

How do I know when to meet with my advisor?

• It is up to you how often you would like to meet with your advisor. It is recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once a semester to discuss registration. However, advising centers and faculty tend to be incredibly busy the few weeks before registration, so the earlier the better. Your advisor is also available to you whenever you need to discuss any issue related to your academics or the transition to MSU.

  Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

  registration	class schedules	withdrawing from a class
  dropping a class	choosing a major	switching a major
  getting an access code	struggling in a class or classes	homesickness
  academic probation	test taking tips	time management
  study skills	managing stress	campus involvement

  
  

How do I know what classes to take?

• There are several ways to choose classes. First, if you have selected a major, consult with the Undergraduate Bulletin to find out which classes you are required to take. Second, consult your credit evaluation sheets to find out which general education classes you still need to fulfill. Third, after completing these steps, meet with your advisor to discuss the courses you are considering.

How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

• The Office of First Year Experience has several advisors available to meet with students. The best way to schedule time with an advisor is to call ahead (507-389-5498) or stop in and make an appointment with the front desk.
  

What is a Registration Access Code?

• Registration access codes are assigned to undecided students by the FYE Office. Access codes REQUIRE that a student meet with their assigned academic advisor in order to register for classes. Undecided students who have completed fewer than 24 credits OR 48 or more credits are assigned an access code. The purpose of an access code is to assure that undecided students are aware of the academic standards and requirements needed for degree completion.
  

• Note: Several other majors at Minnesota State Mankato also require an access code. Check with your academic advisor to see if you need a registration access code.

 

I am trying to register and there is a hold on my account. What do I do?

Registration Holds

Holds are placed on students' registration accounts for a variety of reasons. Following is a list of the most common holds. Students need to contact the appropriate office in order to resolve the problem and remove the hold:

Code	Hold	Contact	Telephone
0032	Admissions	Admissions Office	507-389-1822
0031	Business	Campus Hub	507-389-1866
0060	Collection Agency	Business Services	507-389-2261
0038	Financial Aid	Campus Hub	507-389-1866
0070	Housing	Residential Life	507-389-1011
0005	Immunization	Admissions Office	507-389-1822
0058	International Student	International Student & Scholar Services	507-389-1281
0013	Orientation	First Year Experience	507-389-5498
0022	Overdue Resource Material	Memorial Library	507-389-5064
0016	Parking Fines	Business Services	507-389-2261
0061	Post Secondary Enrollment	First Year Experience	507-389-5498
0001	Probation (undeclared majors)	First Year Experience	507-389-5498
0002	Suspension	Academic Affairs	507-389-1333

How do I get my access code?

• Access codes are assigned 6 weeks prior to registration and you will need to meet with an advisor in the Office of First Year Experience in order to receive your access code. FYE office sends an email to undecided students who need to meet with an advisor to get an access code. You and your advisor will discuss the general education requirements, course selection for the following semester, major exploration, the online registration process, as well as any questions you might have. Come to your advising appointment prepared to discuss your current classes and bring a list of possible classes for the following semester.

 

How do I enter my access code into the registration system?

• After you meet with an advisor in the FYE office, will receive your Access Code for the semester.

You will need to enter your registration access code prior to registering for classes. You will only need to enter your access code once a term.

1. Go to the Registration E-Services website: https://www.mnsu.edu/eservices/

2. Log into your account

3. Click on Courses & Registration tab

4. Click on Registration Access Code tab

5. Check to see of the correct semester is displayed.

6. Click on Courses & Registration tab

7. Click on Registration Access Code tab

8. Enter your access code and click Submit.

 

How do I take the math and/or language placement exam(s)?

Placement Exams

If you need to take the placement exam for mathematics or modern languages follow the links below: 

• Math Assessment Testing
  • MSU requires all students who plan on registering for Math 112 (College Algebra) to have either taken the Accuplacer Math Placement Test at MSU or have an official ACT Math score of 19 or higher.

Students needing to take the Math Assessment Test should contact the Center for Academic Success at (507)389-1791 to make an appointment.

·           Mathematics Placement Exam

• Modern Languages Online Placement Exam (Spanish or German)

1. Password: mavericks1
2. Choose Spanish or German
3. ID = SS number
4. Note: Students should register for one class above the one that is recommended as a result of the test. If you have any questions, please contact the Minnesota State University Mankato Department of Modern Languages.
   

What are the General Education requirements?

• Satisfaction of General Education requires a minimum number of credits in assigned multidisciplinary categories. The specific requirements may vary depending on the academic year Bulletin you are referencing. The Undergraduate Bulletin explains the General Education requirements in more detail. We strongly recommend meeting with your advisor to determine the General Education requirements you have completed as well as the requirements you have left to fulfill.

• Note: General Education is intended to be intertwined with the classes in your major.  For many majors on campus it is NOT recommended to take all of your general education classes first and then begin the classes in your major. Meeting with an advisor can help you make informed decisions regarding the best class schedule.

 

What are Cultural Diversity requirements?

• Cultural Diversity courses are required in order to graduate from MSU. The Undergraduate Bulletin explains the requirements needed to fulfill your cultural diversity courses.  Advisors in the FYE office can explain cultural diversity requirements in more detail. We recommend meeting with an advisor to determine the cultural diversity requirements you have completed as well as the requirements you have left to fulfill.

 

Can I repeat a course in order to protect my GPA?

• A student may only take a course three times. This includes the first completion and two course repeats.

• The last grade earned in a repeated course will the student’s final official grade and the only grade included for that course in GPA calculations.

• This course repeat policy only applies to courses taken at MSU.

• You can visit the Academic Affairs website for more information.

 

What is the difference between withdrawing from a course and dropping a course?

• Dropping a class

If a student drops a class they are merely deciding that they do no want to take the class.  Students must drop by the end of the first week of classes using the on-line registration system.  A dropped course has no permanent impact on a student’s record and will not count against their completion rate. Check the registration website for official deadlines.

 

• Withdrawal from Individual Full Term Classes

A withdrawal from individual full term classes means that the student plans to withdraw from one or some (but not all) courses and receive a W on their official transcript. Withdrawing from a class does impact a student’s completion rate.  Students may withdraw from individual courses up until a couple weeks before the end of the semester by using the on-line registration system. Plan to meet with your advisor before officially withdrawing from a course in order to discuss how it may affect your academic progress as well as your Financial Aid. Check the registration website for official deadlines.

 

• Withdrawal from All Full Term Classes

Students may also withdraw from all of their courses (Official Withdrawal from the University).  Official Withdrawal is initiated through the Campus Hub located on the main level of Centennial Student Union.  A student’s withdrawal from the University will impact completion rate, campus housing, and Financial Aid. Plan to meet with your advisor before officially withdrawing from all courses in order to discuss how it may affect your academic progress as well as your Financial Aid. Check the registration website for official deadlines.

 

 

Which year of the Bulletin I should I use?

• Bulletin Expiration Policy

The privilege of graduating under the requirements of an undergraduate bulletin extends no longer than seven years from the term of the student’s original enrollment. The requirements outlined in the current bulletin become effective at the beginning of the fall semester. Although no student can graduate under requirements outlined in a bulletin of more than seven years preceding the date of graduation, the student may elect to graduate under a more recent bulletin. However, students must complete all the requirements under a single bulletin, except for new programs.

Note: While specific requirements for a degree may expire or change, students never “lose” college credits they have earned. They may have to take additional coursework, or fulfill different requirements to obtain a degree under a new bulletin.

 

How many credits should I take each semester?

• A student needs to average 16 credits per semester in order to graduate in four years.  It is recommended that a full time student sticks to the average course load. It is not uncommon for first year students to take less than 16 credits their first semester. Some students feel it is a way to ease into college life. Additionally, if a student would like to take more then 18 credits per semester they would need to complete the Credit Hour Overload application found on the registration website .

 

 

What do I need to do if I am on academic probation?

 

 

 

 

• If you drop below satisfactory academic standards for MSU you will be notified by an email from your college outlining the specific steps you will need to remove probation. Each college may have different requirements to remove academic probation.

 

• If you are an undecided student you will work with the Office of First Year Experience advising staff. To successfully begin the probation advising process undecided students should click here.

 

 

What are other campus resources available to me?

Campus Resources at MSU

Office:	Go there if:
Affirmative Action Office 112 Armstrong Hall 507-389-2986	You experience harassment or discrimination of any kind You are an employee and need a reasonable accommodation for a disability
Campus Hub 117 CSU 507-389-1866	You have questions about Financial Aid You have questions about Student Charges and Payments You are having problems with your MavCard or need a new MavCard
Career Development Center 209 Wigley Administration Center 507-389-6061	You need assistance in identifying a major You are looking for a part-time job You need to prepare a resume or search for a full-time or summer job/internship
Center for Academic Success 125 Memorial Library 507-389-1791	You need tutoring for mathematics, chemistry, biology, accounting, economics, or lower division general education courses You need assistance with editing/revising papers You need strategies for test taking, note taking, textbook reading You need additional academic support services
Counseling Center 245 Centennial Student Union 507-389-1455	You need someone to talk to confidentially regarding personal, social and educational concerns You are referred for an alcohol screening assessment Services include short term counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, testing and referral
International Center 250 Centennial Student Union 507-389-1281	You have any problems with your immigration status or application process You want to access other services specifically for international students
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center 173 Centennial Student Union 507-389-6076	You are experiencing any difficulties because of your sexuality, sexual preference, affectional preference, sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender identity You want information or training on sexual orientation or lifestyle issues
Minnesota State Student Association 280 Centennial Student Union 507-389-2611	You need to speak to an attorney You need help on a grade appeal You need help resolving a student concern
Multicultural Affairs 222 Centennial Student Union 507-389-6300	You need tutoring, mentoring or counseling related to multicultural issues You want to talk to someone of similar ethnic background
Office of Disability Services 132 Memorial Library 507-389-2825	You are a student with a disability that needs accommodation in or out of the classroom You want to know about services available to students with disabilities
Office of the Registrar 132 Wigley Administration 507-389-2252 – Help Desk	You don't know your PIN number You need a Degree Audit Report You have questions about residency or need to verify enrollment
Residential Life 111 Carkoski Commons 507-389-1011	You are having roommate or adjustment issues You have questions about your housing or food service contracts
Security 222 Wiecking Center 507-389-2111	Any time you feel physically threatened Any time you need to contact the police On duty 24 hours/7 days a week Maintains centralized lost and found for campus
Student Health Services 21 Carkoski Commons 507-389-6276 - Medical Clinic 507-389-5689 - Health Education	You need anything that requires medical (chronic, acute or preventative) care You need a prescription filled or over the counter medications You need blood drawn or lab tests done You want to speak to a nutritionist, someone about drugs/alcohol, or any other health education issue You want to schedule a health related workshop
Student Activities 173 Centennial Student Union 507-389-6076	You want to find out how to get involved on campus or learn what student organizations are available You need to locate off campus housing You are trying to find a ride share home You area student looking for nontraditional or parenting resources and connections
Women's Center 218 Centennial Student Union 507-389-6146	You need referrals to advocacy for sexual assault and harassment Information, referrals and support on women's issues You are a woman student seeking non-therapeutic help