Questions & Answers
When and how do I register for next semester?
Registration advising begins about a week or two after Mid-terms, depending on the semester. To register you must meet with your advisor to determine appropriate classes to take. Class Schedules are only available online. If you have trouble visit the Peer Advisor Desk in the ARO (Flora Frick 151). All dates and deadlines for registration should be posted on the Academic Resource Office homepage.
How do I register for Tri-College classes?
Check in at the special Tri-College window at the Records Office. You do not have to register at the other colleges. In a few situations there are limitations, which your stop at the Tri-College registration window will make clear. Please visit our Educational Options page for more information.
Why do we have to take Dragon Core classes?
Liberal arts universities (of which we are one) require broad general education or liberal studies programs, which are designed to give all students academically well-rounded experiences in all areas of knowledge.
Is it better to get your Dragon Core credits over with first so you can concentrate on you major?
Not necessarily, but it is best to concentrate on Dragon Core courses the first few semesters and to take beginning courses in the major or majors you are considering. The Outer Cluster courses are generally upper level, and are often most appropriately taken during your junior and senior years. The more liberal studies courses you take, the better you are prepared for most majors and careers. It is advisable to take the deepest and widest selection of Dragon Core courses possible.
Why does everyone have to take freshman English?
All majors require you to be able to write
effectively. Currently, if you are under the Dragon Core, you will be
required to take one semester of English. If you are under the Liberal
Studies program you will take two semesters of English.
What are the biggest majors on campus?
Undeclared, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Mass Communications, and Accounting.
How many hours a night should I study?
The usual rule is an average of 2 hours of study for every hour spent in class. Most freshmen find, a little too late, that they studied too little first semester.
Help with study skills is readily available in the Counseling Center.
How often can I cut classes?
Basically never. Absence from classes is the primary
reason students fail courses. Cutting, if ever started, becomes a
self-destructive habit. Some teachers announce an absolute maximum
number of absences allowed. Some departments have absence policies for
certain courses (i.e. Freshman English, Speech).
Do all classes require papers?
No, but many do. Learning to write well is one of the
most valuable skills a student can learn. It affects the grade received
in almost every class. It really is worth working on.
What is the deal on an "I" (incomplete) grade?
An instructor may be willing to give you an I if you have completed most of the work for the course but are unable to, for example, take the final or turn in a term paper, etc.
Incompletes must normally be made up within the next semester or they will become F's.
How does a person withdraw from college?
Start by going to the Counseling Center. They will provide you with a packet of information that walks you through the withdrawal process. Following all the steps of the withdrawal process ensures that you will have an easier time when you are ready to return to college, and a minimal impact on your financial aid eligibility. If this is impossible, call the Counseling Center or the Records Office.
What are the greatest academic dangers for new MSUM students?
Not attending every class (even occasional cutting is a dangerous game)
Working too many hours
Not realizing how different college is from high school (nobody except you can keep tabs on your progress during the semester).
How are the GPA's determined?
Divide the number of grade points (right hand column on transcript) by the attempted credits in graded courses.
Do not count credits graded W, X, or S. Count F credits.
Only MSUM grades are counted. Cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at MSUM.
GPA Calculator can be accessed at: http://appserv.mnstate.edu/online/gpa/compute.htm
How do I find out about tutoring services? Is there a charge?
See the Tutoring link on the ARO website or check in your department. All tutoring services at MSUM are free to students.
Are scholarships available after the freshman year?
Yes. Apply at the Financial Aid Office, first floor Owens. Pick up applications in December for February 1 deadline.
When does a person have to declare a major?
There is no deadline, but you have to have a major to graduate and since most majors require courses taken over at least a two-year period, students should decide on their majors during their sophomore year if they plan to graduate within four years.
It is important to note that some majors, because of
prerequisite sequence courses, must be started in the first term of
their freshman year if students wish to graduate in eight semesters.
These include, particularly, science and science related majors, as
well as music and art.
How do I change majors or faculty advisors?
Get a gold colored "Change of Major/Advisor" form at the Records Office or the ARO and take it to the department or individual advisor of your choice.
For changes to an undeclared or a different undeclared advisor see Diane Wolter in Flora Frick 151.
What do I do if a class is closed and I need it to graduate this year?
Contact the instructor for the class you want to take and ask him or her for special permission or a registration override.
Be aware that you will need to go in and register for
that class, the override entered by the instructor DOES NOT register
you, it simply keeps a spot open in the class.
What is an individualized major?
A multi-disciplinary major of 46 credits designed by a junior or senior student with his or her advisor. See Jan Flack, Continuing Studies 477-2395 OR Yvonne Johnson, ARO, 477-4649.
Where are "good" places to study?
In the library, (note the 24-hour study areas), CMU, empty classrooms, residence hall study areas.
Where do I get an MSUM Bulletin, phone directory and student handbook?
The Bulletin is available in the ARO, the new phone directories will be distributed in late October, and the Student Handbook is available on the web and in your MSUM Planners that are in the ARO.
Where can I get a copy of my transcript?
The easiest way is to log on the the MSUM Registration page and under the Student tab, select My Academic Record. If you need an official transcript you need to fill out a request form and turn it into the Records office (the form is in that office also).
Where is the Academic Resource Office?
In Flora Frick 151, near International Programs.
What are the most common causes of failure at MSUM?
Trying to take a full class schedule and also work over 15 hours per week. A student must cut down on credits or work hours.
Failure to realize that MSUM is not high school. Here you're an adult; nobody checks up on you.
Not attending class every day.
Where can I find out who my faculty advisor is?
Your advisor is listed on your class schedule viewable in your e-servicesRecords Office windows in Owens Hall. after you login under "View/Modify Courses", or you can check at the ARO, Flora Frick 151, or at the
Where do I find information about financial aid?
In the Financial Aid Office, first floor in Owens Hall