First Year Experience

College orientation lights the way to a successful and fulfilling college experience by providing essential information, guidance, and support for you as you begin your academic journey.

1. Log in to your Minneapolis College online orientation account and upon login, click on New Student Orientation. Complete all lessons.  Online Orientation consists of “how to” videos that you can complete at your own pace and watch again when needed.
   • Username: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
   • Password: StarID password
   • Note: it may take up to 24 hours after registering for classes to gain access to the New Student Orientation.
2. First Light is an in-person Orientation program where you can become more familiar with campus, your academic program, student technology systems, and campus resources and involvement opportunities.  This program is the next step for students new to Minneapolis College!  All new students are welcome (note PSEO students attend specific PSEO orientation sessions).

Orientations:

• Pre-Nursing First Light and Registration | Tuesday, June 10 | 12:30 - 4:45 p.m. | Register Here
• Half Day First Light | Wednesday, July 23 | 1 - 4:45 p.m. | Register Here
• Adult Learner First Light | Wednesday, August 6 | 5 - 7 p.m.| Registration available 4 - 5 p.m. | Register Here
• Half Day First Light | Tuesday, August 12 | 1 - 4:45 p.m. | Register Here

This hour-long session guides new students through logging into Minneapolis College student technology systems such as Email, D2L, and Navigate. Students will get a chance to explore the features and resources available to them and practice using common online tools. Students will learn tips for being successful at Minneapolis College! 

Monday, January 13, In-Person

• 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | T.4230

Monday, January 13, Online

• 5 - 6 p.m. | Join the Meeting

Tuesday, January 14, Online

• 10 – 11 a.m. | Join the Meeting

Wednesday, January 15, In-Person

• 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | T.4230

Books, Student Technology Support, Study and Computer Lab Spaces, Health and Fitness

1. Books and Materials
   • Order your books and materials through the College Store.
   • How to Order Textbooks and Course Materials.
   • Direct Digital Access.
   • Academic Success Center’s Online Books and Homework links for how to access Cengage, RedShelf, and Pearson course materials.
2. The Technology Support page is a how-to guide for StarID password, Email, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Printing, Wireless Access, and more.
   • If you forgot your StarID, and TechID, and don’t know or have access to the email account you used to apply to Minneapolis College, visit Student Services in T.2100, or call 612-659-6282. Identity verification required.
3. Individual and Group Study Spaces, Computer Lab Locations
   • Academic Success Center. Study nooks and rooms; computer lab. Drop-in Computer Basics, D2L, and Microsoft 365 help available.
   • Library. General and Silent study spaces and reservable rooms. Computer Lab. Research help available for locating sources through catalogs/databases, citations.
   • Helland Center. Study and lounge spaces, quiet study area. Color printer/copier.
   • Management Education Center (MEC). Individual and group study areas, open computer lab.
4. Free Health, Wellness, and Fitness Services available to currently enrolled students
   • Student Health Clinic
   • Personal Wellness Counseling
   • Campus Recreation and Wellness
   • Collegiate Recovery Program

Students who have made a connection on campus outside of their classes are most likely to achieve their Minneapolis College goals.

Pick one to start with:

1. Unsure? Talk to an advisor about your interests, goals, and needs.
2. Join Starting Point. Check to see if you qualify
3. Take a First Year Experience Student Transitions (FYST) course
4. Meet with Career Services to help identify the best careers for your interests and skills, learn ways to get experience in your field, and develop job search strategies
5. Connect with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), if you are a student with a disability
6. Plan tutoring, mentoring, or a workshop with the Academic Success Center
7. Community and empowerment through Equity and Inclusion Programs
8. Get involved in a club, organization, recreation, leadership, or performance activity
9. Pursue Student Employment

Many campus Support Services are available to meet your personal needs

End of Semester

1. Create a schedule with planned times to complete final projects or papers and study for final tests. Select work and study locations that help you to focus.
2. Double check if you have any assignments or course tasks that have not been completed. Check whether any of these can still be turned in.
3. Look at the point or percentage value of remaining work. Identify where time and effort can pay off the most.
4. Schedule coursework and study time in smaller 1–2-hour chunks rather than large blocks. If you get in the flow with something, go with it, but for many students, it is more motivating and less tiring to switch between subjects or between coursework and other needs every hour or two.
5. Prioritize getting good sleep every night. Make sure you rotate something you find relaxing or energizing, like mediation, music, prayer, or walking into your routine. But limit screen time. Social media, especially, can be distracting and limit ability to focus on coursework.
6. The Academic Success Center has both subject tutoring and study skills mentoring available. Study skills mentors can assist you in creating your end of semester study plan.
7. Remember to register for your Fall Semester classes! Academic advisors have appointments available throughout April and May to guide you in the next step of your education plan.

1. To access numerous life and college skills videos, log in and select Student Success Workshops on the form.
2. Monthly $500 Scholarship Drawing. Complete a Student Success Workshop for automatic entry. More workshops = more entries!