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:

• Half Day First Light | Wednesday, December 11 | 1 – 5 p.m. |  Register
• Adult Learner First Light | Wednesday, January 8 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. |  Register

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.
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

Mid Semester

Advising and Fall Registration

• Advising Week is February 24-27. Attend one or more of the events to connect with advisors, learn about degree and transfer-planning resources, and enter to win a prize!
• Fall Registration for all students begins March 24. Priority registration for Veterans begins March 17. You can find your advisor and make an appointment in Navigate. Make your appointment early—slots fill up quickly!

Check your Course Progress and Grades

Mid-semester is the time to make sure you understand how the grading systems work in your courses, check your grades, and make any adjustments needed as mid-term projects and tests approach.

1. Review the syllabus for each course to see how your grade is calculated.
2. Many courses post grades in D2L. The Understanding Grades video shows how to understand basic D2L grade features. Review your grades and any feedback you have received.
3. If you would like to improve your course performance, the Academic Success Center offers free in-person and virtual tutoring appointments. Tutoring for specific courses, general study skills, D2L, and computer software is available.
4. If you think you might qualify for accommodations but haven’t met with the Accessibility Resource Center yet, you can still do so.
5. If you are considering withdrawing from a course, communicate with your instructor and your advisor to make sure you have the best information. Many students who withdraw could have passed the class. Note that withdrawing from a course does not remove tuition and fees from your bill.

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!