Advising FAQs

Can I get off contract early?

No, students cannot get off contract early unless they leave the university. A contract student is admitted because he/she has agreed to the terms of the contract, which requires him/her to be on contract for one year. Under rare circumstances transfer students are required to be on contract for only one semester. If a student gets a very high GPA first semester, he/she may meet with his/her advisor once every three weeks during the second semester instead of once every two weeks. Being on contract is a privilege. Contract students have higher average GPA’s than regularly admitted students with similar ACT scores, class rank, etc. Contract students receive intentional, individualized assistance with registration, study skills and referral to resources.

What if I forget my pin?

The Registrar’s Office will reset PIN’s if the student presents a picture ID at the office (WA 132). They will also reset PIN’s to the default PIN (YY/MM/DD) if provided with the student’s social security number.

How do I find out when I register?

The registration timeline is based on the number of credits students have completed; most entering freshmen have zero credits. To find out when a student can register for the following term, he/she needs to log on to the on-line registration page through the MSU website. After selecting the correct term the student can click on the “registration window” link to see his/her registration time.

I have transfer credit, how do I make it show up on my transcript?

If a student has a transfer credit from PSEO, College in the Schools or an APP course, they need to make sure it has been officially transferred to MSU. Credits will count toward graduations only if they have been officially transferred to the Registrar’s Office. Students in their first semester of enrollment should talk to Admissions about transfer credits; after that they need to talk to the Registrar’s Office.

Can I take more than 15 credits?

For contract students, the official answer is no. A student worried about finishing “on time” can be reminded that there are summer courses and a larger credit load are also possible in future semesters. Students in the contract program must be successful in their first two semesters to be allowed to continue at MSU, overloading with credits during the first year can reduce the likelihood that students will be successful.

Why do I have to take MATH 098/ENG 100?

Students who score lower than 18 on the MnSCU math assessment and have an ACT math sub score lower than 19 must take Math 098 as preparation for Math 112. Students who have an ACT English sub score below 18 are encouraged, though not required, to take Eng 100 before taking Eng 101. This is particularly applicable if students have little or no experience in writing research papers. These courses are designed to prepare students for success in subsequent English and Math courses.

Does Math 098/Eng 100 count for my general education requirement?

Math 098 does not count toward graduation because it is below 100 level, but it does count toward full time student status for financial aid, insurance, etc. purposes. NOTE: Student athletes are required to complete Math 098 during their first year in order for credits to count toward NCAA requirements. Eng 100 does count toward the total number of credits needed to graduate (128) as well as financial aid and insurance, etc. purpose; however it does not count in the general education area (required 44 credits).

Can a class count in more than one goal area for general education?

Yes. A class can count for more than one general education goal area at the same time. Students don’t have to choose which category they want to use a class for. If the undergraduate bulletin indicates that a course fulfills goals area 1c, 5 and 7, it fills all areas at once; students do not need to choose which area they want the course to fulfill. However, students still need to have a total of 44 general education credits by the time they graduate. Even if students have filled all the goal areas, they may still need to take elective general education courses to complete the total 44 credits.

Do I have to register for classes with my advisor?

No. The only time students are required to register with an advisor is during orientation. However, students must discuss plans to register and create a tentative course schedule with their advisor prior to registration. Students who have an academic hold will not be allowed to register until they have met with their advisor to discuss course options for the coming semester. After the registration hold has been lifted students are free to register anywhere they have internet access after their designated registration time.

What happens if I fail a class?

Students can take the same class over again if they choose and replace the grade for a higher one. Failing a class will have a negative impact on students GPA and they may have difficulty maintaining the cumulative GAP of 2.0 or higher. Each time a course is taken it will count as attempted credits in calculation of the course completion rate and credit limits for financial aid. Students cannot repeat any one course more than two times. NOTE: Individual departments and major programs may limit the number of repeats allowed in courses which apply to the minor/major.

What happens if I fall below a 2.0 GPA my first semester?

One of several things may happen in this case:

1. Any contract student who falls below a 2.0 GPA will be required to meet weekly with his/her advisor during the second semester. Students may be required to register for a First Year Experience class geared toward improving academic skills. Students may also be required to work toward development of a plan for academic success with their advisor. This may include improving time management, required tutoring, etc.
2. Students who have a GPA significantly below 2.0 (such as 0.5) will likely have their admission rescinded because they would need to get a 3.5 or better during second semester to be allowed to continue at MSU.

After two semesters, what will happen?

1. Students who have successfully met the terms of the contract (have a 2.0 GPA, and have met every other week with your advisor) will be released from contract.
2. Students who are below a 2.0 and/or failed to meet other conditions of the contract will have their admission rescinded. This decision may be appealed (be aware that appeals are rarely successful). To return to MSU, students must be out of school for a minimum of one year, have attended another institution, taken 24 credits, and received a 2.5 GPA or better before they can reapply.

Will I have to stay longer if I don’t decide on a major right away?

If students don’t choose a major right away, it may take them longer to graduate because many majors have required general education courses. However, this is a personal decision that should be left up to the student. It is probably better to spend an extra year in school deciding on a major than to end up with a degree in something they dislike. If a student enjoys a certain class that does not count for his/her major, it may be worthwhile to take the class. Education is all about learning, not just getting a job, but this also depends on the philosophy and finances of the student and his/her parents.

What if I have a complaint or a suggestion about the Center?

The Director of the Center for Academic Success would love to hear from you. Please send us an e-mail at acadmicsuccess@mnsu.edu.