Welcome to Minnesota State University, Mankato
Welcome Maverick Family Members! The following schedule includes your orientation activities for the day. If you have questions during your visit, please find an Orientation Peer Assistant (OPA) and they will gladly assist.
Family Orientation Check-In
MavAve, 1st Floor CSU
- 7:30-8:15 a.m.
At check-in, pick up your orientation materials for the day!
MavCARD (Student ID)
MavAve, 1st Floor CSU
- 7:30-8:15 a.m.
MavCARDS ordered online prior to orientation can be picked up during this time. Students who did NOT order their cards online but would like to get their MavCARD today can have their photo taken during this time for pick up later today. Government-Issued photo ID must be presented.
Orientation Welcome
Ballroom, 2nd Floor CSU
- 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Welcome to Minnesota State University, Mankato! Students and families will be introduced to the orientation staff and receive updates and information about the orientation experience.
Academic College Meetings and Information
- 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Student Advising Directors from each college will introduce your college, academic expectations, and the support available through faculty and academic advisors.
Allied Health - CSU Ballroom
Aviation - CSU 255
Business - MH 102
Education - CSU 254
Humanities & Social Sciences - MH 103
Nursing - CSU 253
Science, Engineering & Technology - CSU 245
Undecided - AH 101
- Students majoring in Secondary Education (junior/middle or senior high school teaching) should attend the session which best matches the subject matter they wish to teach.
- Students in pre-professional programs (i.e. Medicine, Law, Veterinary Science, etc.) should attend the session which best matches the subject matter of their plan of study.
- The Undecided session is for students who have not yet selected a major.
Family Orientation Welcome and Family Programs
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Learn what programs and opportunities the University has for you as families of Mavericks.
Student Health Services for Families
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 10:10-10:30 a.m.
Student Health Services provides comprehensive medical services with a full-service pharmacy and laboratory. This presentation will summarize what families need to know prior to their student arriving on campus. Health education services will also be reviewed including volunteer opportunities and substance abuse prevention education for students and parents.
Financial Aid for Families
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 10:30-10:50 a.m.
Financial Aid and Scholarships provides assistance and information to families on covering the cost of college. This presentation will discuss the many ways to pay for a college education and the steps to take to ensure your student has a financial plan in place before the start of the school year.
Break
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 10:50-11:00 a.m.
Take a brief break from the information to refresh and get ready for final presenters before lunch.
Campus Security and Safety for Families
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 11:00-11:20 a.m.
Campus Security provides a variety of services for students on campus. This session will address the various resourcesavailable to students and provide basic information on safety at Minnesota State Mankato.
Maverick Bookstore
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 11:20-11:30 a.m.
Learn about the textbook reservation process, book buyback, and other bookstore services.
Meal Plans and University Dining for Families
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 11:30 -11:40 a.m.
Information about the various meal plans, dining options, and food allergy information will be shared.
Lunch
University Dining Center
- 11:40 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
Enjoy lunch in the University Dining Center with other family members of Minnesota State Mankato students.
Course Advising and Registration for Students
- 1:00-3:45 p.m.
During this time students will complete advising and registration. Students will return to the CSU after they complete registration.
Residential Life Information for Families
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 1:00-1:45 p.m.
Learn what you can expect for your student in the residence halls. Topics such as move-in, roommate issues, policies,and other resources will be shared.
Welcome Week
Ostrander Auditorium, 1st Floor CSU
- 1:45-2:00 p.m.
Welcome Week is a great way for your student to meet students and connect to campus. This session will discuss
what your student can expect during this exciting time, so you can encourage them to get involved.
MavCARD (Student ID)
MavAve, 1st Floor CSU
- 1:30-3:45 p.m.
(Following Advising and Registration) Pick up your MavCARD ordered earlier today. If time allows, we will process new requests as well. If you plan to move into a residence hall and access dining plans the weekend before classes start, you MUST have your MavCARD when you move in.
Student Orientation Checkout
MavAve, 1st Floor CSU
- 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Students may check-out after completing Advising and Registration, before attending the Campus Resource Fair.
Campus Resource Fair
MavAve, 1st Floor CSU
- 2:10-3:10 p.m.
Visit with various offices and departments to learn about services and opportunities for involvement.
Computer Purchase and Set-up Assistance
Computer Store, CSU Lower Level
- 2:00-4:00 p.m.
If you are purchasing a computer from the Campus Computer Store, the Information Technology Services staff will be available to help you purchase and set-up the new computer with the software and services provided to Minnesota State Mankato students.
Dates to Remember
- Move In Day: August 21, 2025
- Welcome Week: August 21-24, 2025
- First Day of Class: August 25, 2025
Program Notes:
- The orientation program begins at 8:15a.m. and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. Students do need to attend the entire orientation program to be able to register for classes. Any changes in the orientation schedule will be noted during the welcome session.
- If you are in need of wireless access, please use the MavGuest wireless available in the entire CSU building.
- Students, please keep your check-in packet and bag with you throughout the orientation.
- Orientation parking is available in the Visitors Lot by the CSU. Parking on the street or in any Gold parking lots will result in a ticket.
- Minnesota State University, Mankato is a tobacco-free campus. Please refrain from smoking or using tobacco products on campus while at orientation.