The SMART Start Program is designed to empower new students who are historically underrepresented in higher education. Participants are matched with an upperclass MSUM student mentor, many of whom have been SMART Start mentees in the past. Students participate in activities related to diversity, engage in workshops to learn about resources available on campus, and develop a support network among their peers, staff, and faculty.
The mission of the program is to ensure that each new Dragon has the resources they need to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion covers all program costs, including the cost of early move-in to the residence halls.
The SMART Start Program will be held from Sunday, August 19, to Wednesday, August 22, 2018.
Participants must be accepted and enrolled at MSUM for fall semester 2018, have completed the FAFSA for the 2018-2019 academic year, be a citizen of the United States, and identify as at least one of the following:
What does a typical day in the SMART Start Program look like?
10:00 AM Breakfast 11:00 AM Career Development Center Presentation 11:30 AM IT/Academic Support Center Tech Demonstration 12:30 PM Public Safety Presentation 1:00 PM Lunch and discussion with SPECTRUM President 2:00 PM Class Activity 3:00 PM Library Activity 4:00 PM Free Time 5:00 PM Pizza Party with President Anne Blackhurst 6:30 PM Dessert at Dairy Queen
If you have questions about the SMART Start Program, please contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 218.477.2652 or diversity@mnstate.edu.
APPLY for SMART Start here: 2018 SMART Start Program Application