Admitted Online New Student Steps

As an online student you are not new to the college setting, but you are new to MSUM! Therefore, you will need to complete and/or be aware of the items listed below.

As an MSUM student, you are assigned two unique IDs that grant you access to many services.

  1. StarID - 8-characters consisting of both letters and numbers.
    • You have already received your StarID username and password. If you do not remember your StarID or password, please utilize the StarID Self Service page.
    • Allows you to access eServices, D2L Brightspace, on campus WiFi, and more.
  2. Dragon ID - 8-digits consisting of only numbers.
    • Used only at MSUM. Certain departments on campus will request this identifier to access your personal records.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second verification step when you log in. You’ll set up MFA the first time you access your Dragon Email.

Getting Started with Your Dragon Email

As an MSUM student, you are assigned a Dragon Email account. Here’s what to expect when logging in for the first time:

  1. First-time login address
    Use StarID@go.minnstate.edu when signing in the first time.
  2. Regular login address
    After setup, you’ll log in using StarID@go.mnstate.edu.
  3. Your actual email address
    This is what others will use to contact you: firstname.lastname@go.mnstate.edu

MFA Setup

On your first login, you will be prompted to complete your MFA setup using your StarID and StarID password.

Complete your email and MFA setup now:
Watch the video tutorial below.

Logging into your Moorhead email and MFA setup

Email & Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Login

As an incoming new student, your advising and registration will look a little different from how it will be for the rest of your time at MSUM. To receive academic advising and register for your first semester of classes, you will need to register for SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration).

What is eServices?
eServices is MSUM’s online portal — use your StarID and password to log in and complete essential setup tasks for your student account.

Task What You Need to Do
  1. Scholarships & Financial Aid
  • Apply for aid and scholarships if you haven’t already.
  • Accept your student loans, grants, and scholarships.
    [Tutorial: Accept Financial Aid in eServices]
  1. Bills & Payment

To keep your course enrollment secure, you must make a financial commitment 15 days before the semester begins. You can satisfy this by doing one of the following:

- Submitting your FAFSA to MSUM
- Making a $300 down payment
- Setting up an approved payment plan
- Providing third-party payment authorization

Then:

  • View and pay your bill in eServices.
    [Tutorial: View & Pay Bill in eServices]
  1. Class Registration

For your first semester, registration help is provided during SOAR (in-person or virtual). After that:

  • Use eServices to register for your courses.
    [Tutorial: Register for Classes in eServices]

What to Do Right Now

  1. Log in to eServices using your StarID.
  2. Complete all three tasks above as soon as possible to avoid delays with financial aid, billing, or class enrollment.
  3. Use the tutorial links if you’re unsure how to complete any step.

Your Degree Audit shows how your completed or transferred credits apply toward your MSUM degree and which requirements you still need to finish. You can view your Degree Audit in eServices, and your advisor will use it with you each semester to help plan your courses.

To finalize your MSUM student record, you’ll need to complete the two items below using your StarID and password.

  1. Release of Student Information
    MSUM protects your personal student records under federal and state privacy laws (FERPA and Minnesota Statute §13.32).
    If you want to give a parent, guardian, or another support person access to your records, you must complete a release.

    What to do:
  2. Immunization Records
    Minnesota law requires students born after 1956 and attending a Minnesota college to provide immunization dates for:
    • Diphtheria & Tetanus (TD or TDAP)
    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
    Exemptions are available if you qualify.

    What to do:

Your Dragon Card is your official MSUM student ID. It gives you access to important campus services and spaces, including:

  • Library check-in and resources
  • After-hours building access
  • Printing services
  • Free or discounted admission to athletic events and campus activities
  • And much more!

How to Get Your Dragon Card

If you are a Fall Admit:

If you are a Spring Admit or completing SOAR virtually:

  • Visit the IT Help Desk in the Livingston Lord Library to have your photo taken and pick up your Dragon Card.

After you register for your classes, you can purchase textbooks and course materials in person or online at the MSUM Bookstore, located in MacLean Hall, or online through the Moorhead Bookstore website.

[Tutorial: Ordering Your Books Online]

MSUM is committed to creating a safe and respectful campus community. As part of this commitment, all new students are required to complete the Gender-based Violence Prevention Training (GVPT) developed by the Minnesota State system.

If you have questions or need support, contact the MSUM Title IX Coordinator.

What to do:

  • Complete the Gender-based Violence Prevention Training (GVPT) in D2L Brightspace.
    [Tutorial: Find the GVPT Course]

Complete the tasks only if they apply to your situation.

Apply for Tuition Reciprocity (ND or WI residents)
If you live in North Dakota or Wisconsin, submit the tuition reciprocity application to receive the reduced rate. Complete this early to ensure your benefits are applied.

Register for a Parking Permit
If you’re bringing a vehicle to campus, purchase your parking permit before the semester begins. Permits are required to park in campus lots.

Connect with Accessibility Resources
If you need academic, housing, or testing accommodations, work with the Accessibility Resources Office to set up support before classes start.

Use Military or Veteran Benefits
If you are currently serving, a veteran, or military-connected student, contact the Veteran, Service Member & Family Success Center to activate your education benefits and access available resources.

Choose a Preferred Name or Pronouns
If you'd like your preferred name or pronouns reflected in campus systems, submit a request to update your information.