Planning should begin in your first year, and it should begin with finding an advisor who can best meet your individual needs and help you plan all facets of your degree: pre-major advising, choosing or changing a major, general education advising, career exploration, registration, or academic difficulty.
Advising Resources. Every new student is assigned an academic advisor. We urge you to work closely with this individual. Listed below are additional advising resources.
112 Armstrong Hall
Phone: 507-389-2986 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
The goal of the Office of Affirmative Action is to help students obtain a prompt and equitable resolution of problems related to discrimination and harassment. Students who believe they have been harassed or treated unfairly because of their race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, creed, or on any other basis prohibited by state laws, federal laws, or MnSCU System policy are encouraged to contact the Office of Affirmative Action.
The Affirmative Action policy, policies prohibiting violence or harassment based on sex, race, disability or sexual orientation, and the Grievance Procedures are available upon request at the Office of Affirmative Action.
209 Wigley Administration Center
Phone: 507-389-6061
Website: Career Development Center
The Career Development Center (CDC) offers services to all Minnesota State Mankato students—no matter what stage of academic and career planning they are in. Major services include:
The CDC Website: The CDC web site is a comprehensive tool that students can use to access a wealth of career planning and job search information including:
Career Resource Library: Numerous career exploration and job search books are available for checkout from the CDC with your mavcard. The CDC Library also offers weekly "CDC Quick Stop Walk-in Hours" for quick career and job search questions, resume reviews, interview tips, internship search help, a place to start with choosing your major, etc.
Undeclared Majors Services: Includes individual career planning appointments and tools which include use of the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and eDiscover online career exploration system.
Job/Internship Search Advising & Assistance. CDC staff and services are available to assist with part-time and seasonal jobs, internships, and degree-required employment. Assistance is provided through classroom and group presentations on topics such as resume writing, job interviewing and job searching; weekly CDC "Quick Stop Walk-in Hours" (see website for hours); and individual resume and job search strategy assistance. In addition, a number of special events are sponsored and co-sponsored by the CDC throughout the academic year. These include: Business & Science, Engineering & Technology Career Day; Social & Behavioral Sciences Career Day; Minnesota State Mankato Summer Job Fair; School of Nursing Career Day; and others.
245 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-1455
The Counseling Center provides short-term, confidential counseling to help students cope with personal, social, and educational concerns that may be interfering with their ability to succeed at the University. Services include short-term counseling, educational programming, crisis intervention, consultation, national testing, and referral to outside resources.
3 Morris Hall (Lower Level)
Phone: 507-389-2147, 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
Website: Dental Hygiene Department
The dental hygiene clinic is a student training facility staffed by a dentist and faculty. Comprehensive dental hygiene services performed include prophylaxis, radiographs, sealants, tooth whitening, and mouth guards. The clinic is open to the public and most dental insurance is accepted. Day and evening appointments available September - December and February - May.
132 Memorial Library
Phone: 507-389-2825 (V, TTY), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
The Office of Disability Services facilitates accommodations for individuals with disabilities which ensure equal access to programs, services and activities offered by Minnesota State Mankato. The office assists with advocacy; alternative format of printed materials; alternative testing services; assistive technology; early registration; note taking; sign language interpreters; and text on tape. The office also acts as a resource and referral agent for community contacts and disability-related information.
Emergency assistance is also available on a 24-hour basis through the Security Department. Grievances, questions or requests related to equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities should be presented to the Office of Disability Services Director at 507-389-2825 or the Affirmative Action Officer at 507-389-2986 (Voice) 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).
116 Alumni Foundation Center
Phone: 507-389-2572 or 800-722-0544
Office of the Dean: 507-389-1094
E-mail: ext@mnsu.edu
Extended Learning serves the public and private sectors of our region by providing access to educational programs, professional and workplace and lifelong learning consistent with the mission of Minnesota State Mankato. Courses and several complete programs are offered on-line as well as face-to-face at many locations including Belle Plaine, Bloomington, Fairmont, Faribault, New Ulm, Twin Cities Metro, Owatonna, and Red Wing. The Associate of Arts degree may be earned at Fairmont, New Ulm, and Faribault and through Friday-Saturday College on the Minnesota State Mankato campus. Other selected programs and courses are available through Friday-Saturday College.
Extending Learning offers concurrent enrollment through our Partnership for Academic Advancement. Concurrent enrollment is offered in area schools as provided in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 123D.09, Board Policy 3.5 and 3.5.1 of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Further information is available at the Extented Learning website or in high school counselor offices.
Study abroad programs are available through Extended Learning for undergraduate and graduate credits. These programs generally run from one week to one month in length and occur in many nations.
Continuing education short courses, workshops, and seminars for professionals who are seeking to update and/or improve their skills and knowledge and maintain their certifications are available through Extended Learning. Workshops, seminars, and courses can be designed to fit the needs and goals of any business or organization and delivered at the employer site, on campus, or another appropriate location.
Visit the Extended Learning website for a current listing of courses offered through Extended Learning.
10 Gage Complex
Phone: 507-389-5498
Minnesota State Mankato recognizes the academic and personal challenges faced by first-year students. The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to enhance and support new students success.
Orientation. Extensive summer programs are designed to familiarize new students with the college environment, provide advising, and assist with registration. Orientation programs are also available for students entering Spring term.
Special orientation programs are provided for international students, and for American students of color. Many departments welcome students each year with informal orientation programs.
Invitations and information about the programs are sent to students. If you have any questions about orientation or entering the University, contact the Office of First Year Experience.
Academic Success. FYE provides academic advisement for all undecided/pre-major students at Minnesota State Mankato, personal and academic transitional support for the first year students; and assistance with major selection.
FYE helps students address academic difficulties early through the midterm reporting system. Through this system FYE contacts professors of all students who have earned fewer than 24 semester credits, asking for a midterm progress review. A follow up phone call is made to students in academic difficulty. This phone call is made by an Academic Advisor and is designed to offer academic support, resources and the option to meet personally with an academic advisor. All phone calls are confidential.
The First Year Seminar. This one-credit general education course to introduces first-year students to the academic community. The course focuses on enhancing communication skills, critical thinking, and examining the components of a successful first year transition, both personally and academically. Classes are small, giving students and professors an opportunity for lots of interaction. This course meets once a week for 50 minutes.
FYE takes the following steps to notify and support students facing academic probation:
Learning Communities. Learning Communities are groups of 15-25 students who take fall semester courses together and live on the same residence hall floor. Participants develop lasting friendships with students who share common interests and have the opportunity to interact with select faculty.
Each learning community has a Learning Community Coordinator (LCC), an upper-class student dedicated to the academic success of every member as they transition to college life at Minnesota State Mankato. The Learning Community Coordinator assists each student in setting and achieving academic goals, develops study groups for the community, and plans community events.
Residence Hall Living. Living on campus gives highly motivated students an excellent opportunity to become actively involved in campus life.
Maverick Hall. Maverick Hall is a planned living/learning environment designed to enhance first-year success. Community Advisors provide social and educational opportunities for residents to encourage involvement, and to provide support as students find their place in the Minnesota State Mankato community.
Registration Help Desk. This center at the Office of the Registrar provides help in registration problems. This office can be reached at 507-389-2252.
134 Carkoski Commons
Phone: 507-389-1314
Website: Honors Program
The mission of the Honors Program is to provide a challenging interdisciplinary program of study for a highly motivated group of undergraduates. By providing opportunities for students to meet weekly with professors in small, personalized classroom settings, the Honors Program allows participants to become part of a community of scholars that includes experienced faculty who share a commitment to the program's goals. Honors Program participants have opportunities to attend special lectures, go on field trips, and work at their own pace in a setting that encourages goal-setting, perspective-taking, and independence. The Minnesota State Mankato Honors Program is designed to help ensure a successful undergraduate experience, foster creativity and self-direction, and prepare student's for future professional and post-graduate work.
Honors students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Participating in the Honors Club with other Honors students helps to facilitate the scheduling of these activities. Such events might include campus lecture, a creative performance or reading, an athletic contest, a play, a film at the CSU, or any activity sponsored by campus groups and departments.
3010 Memorial Library
Phone: 507-389-6651
Fax: 507-389-6115
Website: Information and Technology Services
Information and Technology Services (ITS) serves the faculty, staff and student members of the Minnesota State Mankato community in providing and supporting technology services. The Academic Computer Center and the Office of Instructional Technologies are areas within ITS.
The Academic Computer Center (ACC). Located at 121 Wissink Hall, telephone 507-389-5160. The Academic Computer Center has over 475 computers and printers for student use. Our computers are constantly being upgraded to keep current with technology. All computers have access to the Internet. Student workers are on duty at all times to maintain the lab, provide safety and security, and offer technical assistance. For students who need to develop their computer skills, free workshops are offered throughout the semester.
Surrounding the open lab are six classroom/labs for hands-on, interactive instruction. In addition, a services area houses printers black and white and color laser printers for the Macintosh and IBM microcomputers.
A multimedia area provides access to the latest technology in digitizing art, flatbed and 35mm scanning, MIDI, Video, and sound editing.
Students who have personal computers with modems in their rooms or at home can access the campus computer network via telephone, DSL, or cable lines.
Many satellite labs, with over 300 computers, are located around campus to provide specialized needs.
Computer Help Desk. Located at 3010 Memorial Library, 389-6654, Help Desk staff field questions about campus computers' hardware, software and related issues. They are also the contact for the Multimedia Presentation Systems in classrooms. Contact them via telephone at 507-389-3221 e-mail helpdesk@mnsu.edu or in person at 3010 Memorial Library.
Computer Store. Located at in the Centennial Student Union, 389-1907. Computers, printers, and software are available for purchase at low educational prices.
Interactive Television (ITV). Interactive Television courses delivered via satellite to other communities as listed in semester course schedules. Contact individual departments about their course listings. Tech support: 507-389-5947, Educational Technology Services.
Student Technology Assistant Training Program are offered to student workers in administrative and academic departments at Minnesota State Mankato may participate in computer training related to their position responsibilities. Training subjects include MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS FrontPage, Internet & Multimedia. Call 507-389-3205 for information.
115 Alumni Foundation Center
Phone: 507-389-6125
The Office of Institutional Diversity cooperates with existing student services and seeks to improve the socio-educational climate to make educational experiences more meaningful to students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. In addition to providing support services and cultural awareness activities, the program works with academic departments to increase diversity in curricula. See Office of Multicultural Affairs section. An extension of the program, the Intercultural Student Center, located at 269 Centennial Student Union, provides social and cultural opportunities.
238 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-6669
Website: International Programs/Study Abroad
The International Programs Office provides information and guidance to students and faculty about academic opportunities abroad. Students receive help at every step to facilitate their study in a different culture. The office operates with proper procedures to comply with all legal requirements for the institution, sponsors and student participants. The office is responsible for publicizing and marketing various opportunities for study. It is also the designated overseer for all institutional agreements between Minnesota State Mankato and programs abroad.
219 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-1281
Website: International Student Office
The International Student Office serves international students by advising students about academic, immigration, personal, social and financial issues. There are approximately 500 international students representing more than 60 countries at Minnesota State Mankato. The International Student Office serves as the official contact agent between the U.S. Department of Home Land Security, other government agencies, and the University community.
The ISO also processes immigration paper work for faculty from abroad in J-1 status.
The International Student Office coordinates and implements international social and cultural activities to promote international awareness and understanding on campus.
Health Insurance. Health and Accident insurance is required for all international students and their dependents studying at Minnesota State Mankato on an F-1 or J-1 Visa. All newly arrived international students are required to subscribe to the University's designated health plan prior to enrollment. Health insurance is required for the entire period of study at Minnesota State Mankato – including the summer. Any exception or waiver can only be granted by the ISO Health Insurance Committee.
In-State Tuition Scholarship. International students may apply for an In-State Tuition Scholarship after successful completion of one semester. The scholarship is renewable if the student maintains the required academic qualifications and cultural contributions.
New Student Orientation. All new and transfer international students are required to attend a New Student Orientation program before they receive authorization to register for classes. An orientation fee will be charged to each new international student who enrolls at Minnesota State Mankato.
English Placement Test and ESL. All new and transfer students whose native language is not English are required to take the English Placement Examination prior to enrolling in classes. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to transfer students. Based on student performance students may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, beginning their first semester on campus, until authorized by the ESL instructor as eligible to enroll in English Composition 101 or waived of further requirements in case of graduate students. If a student fails to meet this requirement, a hold will be placed on the student's records. ESL for undergraduate students is not a substitute for English Composition 101 for general education requirements. Questions concerning ESL can be referred to the Department of Modern Languages at 389-2116.
"International Students in U.S. Higher Education" Course. The University requires all new international students to register and complete the course: "International Students in Higher Education" during their first semester on campus. Students who have attended other U.S. institutions for more than one year are waived from this requirement. The course is offered through the Department of Educational Studies.
132 Memorial Library
Phone: 507-389-1791
Fax: 507-389-2726
Website: Center for Academic Success
The Center for Academic Success assists students in developing or strengthening academic skills. The main focus of the Center is to provide tutoring for general education and certain lower division courses. Tutoring is available on a walk-in basis for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Writing/ESL. Tutoring in other disciplines is provided by appointment for regularly scheduled one-on-one or small group sessions. The Center also provides assistance in broader areas such as reading comprehension and specific academic skills like test taking, note taking, textbook reading, and time management, as well as workshops for PPST/GRE and Nursing Board preparation. Services are free to all Minnesota State Mankato students.
173 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-5131
Website: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center
Email: lgbtc@mnsu.edu
Filling the need for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and their allies, the LGBTC at Minnesota State Mankato provides a safe place for students to build community. In addition, the center offers referrals, information, and LGBT specfic programming. Educational resources include classroom speakers panels, presentation, and a resource library of LGBT magazines, books, and videos.
Website: Library Services
Reference Services: 507-389-5958
The mission of Library Services is to support the University curriculum by providing students and faculty with information resources in traditional and electronic technologies. Assistance, guidance, and instruction in using information resources for class work and research are available through reference services, formal classes, Web access and individual consultations with faculty librarians. The library's resources contain approximately 1.2 million volumes including 3,200 print periodical subscriptions, 17,000 full-text electronic books and periodicals and over 125 electronic databases. Circulation services include check out from the print, audio, and video materials and media equipment collections. Interlibrary loan services complement the local collections by providing access and delivery of materials from other libraries.
Library Services is a depository for Minnesota state documents, federal government publications, and U.S. Geological Survey maps. Specialized services and materials are part of the University Archives and the Southern Minnesota Historical Center. The Music Library in the Performing Arts Center provides a broad collection of scores and recordings.
Additional services include internet access from over 100 computer workstations, print and electronic reserve materials, study carrels, group study rooms, and a copy shop with paper and microform copiers. Wireless Internet access is provided for personal laptop computers in all study areas of Memorial Library.
302 Wiecking Center
Phone: 507-389-1188
Website: Ronald McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program is housed within the College of Graduate Studies and research. The purpose of the McNair Scholars Program is to provide low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students with research opportunities, access to technology, and concrete assistance in order to ensure their success in doctoral programs after completing bachelor degrees.
243 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-6300
Office of Multicultural Affairs staff members are skilled in understanding the background and culture of students of color and can identify and work effectively with the concerns of students from diverse backgrounds. The office maintains four Assistant Directors: African American, Asian American, Chicano-Mexicano-Latino American and American Indian. They assist students of color and serve the entire University community in creating and providing social cultural events and programs that help to bridge minority/majority relationships.
103 Armstrong Hall
Phone: 507-389-1414
Audiology and speech therapy services are available for students with hearing and/or speech problems. Individual instruction for students with communication disorders is provided by advanced students majoring in communication disorders under the supervision of faculty members.
Carkoski Commons
Phone: 507-389-6276
Website: Student Health Services
The Student Health Services provides medical care, pharmacy services, laboratory services, and health education services including care for illnesses and injuries (e.g. sore throats, sprained ankles, or allergy shots), sports medicine, contraception, STD screening, and physical exams. There may be a small charge for seeing a physician or nurse practitioner, certain medical procedures, laboratory tests, and prescriptions. A health insurance plan is available to students, spouses and dependents. Information is available at the Student Health Services and The Hub or Cashier's Window in the Wigley Administration Center.
The Student Health Services emphasizes prevention through health education. Health educators provide sexuality/birth control information, drug and alcohol education and nutrition information, as well as information in a variety of other health-related areas.
173 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-6076
Fax: 507-389-5632
Email: sdpadesk@mnsu.edu
Website: Student Leadership Development & Service-Learning
Service-Learning is an educational experience through which students are involved in community work that contributes significantly to positive change. This process always includes an intentional and structured educational component for students and may be employed in curricular or co-curricular settings.
Co-Curricular Community Service-Learning. Co-Curricular Service-Learning occurs through a variety of organizations, programs, and activities.
Circle K. Circle K is a recognized student organization sponsored by Kiwanis International that is dedicated to service, leadership and fellowship.
Community Outreach Connectors (COC's). The COC's are a student-run/student catalyst community service group that promotes learning, leading, and service. The group meets weekly. They help organize the Alternative Spring Break Trip, initiate community projects for the campus, and recruit volunteers to serve in community organizations.
AmeriCorps (Mankato Cluster). AmeriCorps is a national service initiative. Through AmeriCorps, individuals of all ages and backgrounds address the nation's educational, public safety, human and environmental needs through service. During a one-year term of service, members receive a living stipend, health insurance, child care, loan deferment and interest accrual payments. After a term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an education award to help finance their college education or vocational training, or to pay back student loans.
Alternative Spring Break. Alternative Spring Break is a student-run service trip that travels across the United States. Past trips have taken students to Florida, Kentucky, Utah and New York.
Service Through Off-Campus Student Employment. Students provide services in the community to low-income individuals and receive work-study money in order to help finance their education. These services occur in non-profit and government sites that allow for learning, exploration, and skill building. Students are able to enhance their understanding of needs in the community as well as act as a community-building bridge between organizations/agencies and Minnesota State Mankato. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 389-1185.
America Reads (Community Read-In)/Tutoring Program. Each spring 100 Minnesota State students, retired faculty, AmeriCorps members and community partners participate in a community-wide initiative that encourages and fosters parents to read to children and adults at public schools, literacy centers, libraries, and community organizations. This project continues as a tutoring program throughout the school year.
Curricular Community Service-Learning. Curricular Service-Learning is an educational method that begins in the classroom and progresses into the community to meet community needs. A true Curricular Service-Learning experience requires the application of acquired knowledge, skills, and reflection on the experience. Service-Learning classes are listed in the academic bulletins with this special Service-Learning identity indication. Students can register for these classes during fall and spring semesters.
The following courses include a Service-Learning component:
355 Wiecking Center
Phone: 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 the department to retain and graduate participants from Minnesota State Mankato. Eligibility is based on income level (as determined by the Department of Education), first generation student status (neither parent has a bachelor's degree), and/or disability (a permanent physical disability including documented learning disability). Services are free and include tutoring, academic advising, career planning, workshops, seminars, and cultural activities.
280 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-2611
Website: Minnesota State Student Association
A service provided by the Minnesota State Student Association, the students' attorney is available on a part-time basis to all currently enrolled students. Legal counseling is provided at no charge on issues such as traffic violations, landlord-tenant disagreements, and domestic matters.
218 Centennial Student Union
Phone: 507-389-6146
Fax: 507-389-5539
Websites: Women's Center, Understanding Sexual Assault
The mission of the Women's Center is to foster a healthy, safe, and engaging campus community by enabling the full and active participation of women students in both their personal and educational pursuits at Minnesota State Mankato. The Women's Center provides programs, connections, advocacy, services, and leadership opportunities for all Minnesota State Mankato students.
Nontraditional Student Program, 507-389-5127. It is our mission to build a strong and supportive community for nontraditional and parent students within the university community in order to enrich the educational experience and to help ensure success for all adult students.
A non traditional student is:
Sexual Violence Services. If you or someone you know is a survivor of rape or any other form of relationship violence, the Women's Center is a place where you can find resources, referrals, support, and like-minded people. Non-therapeutic helping is available on a walk-in basis, as well as by appointment.
Involvement and Leadership. Develop relationships while getting involved. Help the Center plan and implement programs including The Vagina Monologues, Love Your Body Day, National Young Women's Day of Action, Women's History Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Women's Leadership program, and sexual violence awareness and prevention education.
General Advocacy. Need help and don't know where to turn? Women's Center staff members are trained to help with any need that students have. Resources are available related to eating issues and body image, assertiveness, self esteem, nontraditional students, students seeking sexual violence support services, those interested in feminism, reproductive rights, social justice, and countless other issues.
