Policy 4.18

Part 1. Purpose

College e-mail is the official method of communication with students regarding academic or administrative matters. Upon registration, the College assigns an e-mail account to each student and the College expects that students will assume full responsibility for all information sent to them via their college e-mail account.

Part 2. Definitions

E-mail Address: A student’s e-mail address consists of their StartID + @go.minneapolis.edu. The StarID portion of the e-mail address is unique to each account to prevent username duplication. 

Password: A word, phrase, or string of characters used to gain access to your account(s). Passwords are created once a student activates their StarID or resets the password via the Minnesota State StarID portal (starid.minnstate.edu).

StarID/Username: A unique username assigned to each student that can be used across Minnesota State institutions. A student’s StarID is used to access eServices, college e-mail, the learning management system (D2L), library resources, and more. Each StarID contains 2 letters, 4 numbers, then 2 letters (example: ab1234cd). StarIDs are created during the application process and generated at random. You cannot specify or change your StarID.

Tech ID: Also referred to as a student’s “Minneapolis College ID” or “Student ID.” A student’s Tech ID is a unique eight-digit number assigned to each student by the College and is linked to the student’s Minneapolis College record, but not to other Minnesota State institutions. It is on the front of their Minneapolis College ID card and may also be obtained from the Student Services Center.

Part 3. Implementation

Subpart A. Assignment of Student E-mail Account

Minneapolis College e-mail accounts are assigned to all registered students. 

Subpart B. Use of Student E-mail Account

Students are expected to check their Minneapolis College e-mail accounts regularly, as they are responsible for all information sent to them via their Minneapolis College e-mail account, some of which may be time-sensitive.

Students must provide their StarID@minnstate.edu and Password to log into the student e-mail system. 

Subpart C. Access to Student E-mail Account

Students may access their Minneapolis College e-mail via any internet browser, the Outlook mobile app, or the full desktop client that might be installed on their internet-enabled computer. 

Additionally, Minneapolis College provides computer labs and touchdown spaces where currently registered students can log into computers and have internet access. 

Students who need assistance logging into their college e-mail should go to the Technology Support page on the College’s website. 

Subpart D. Redirecting of E-mail

E-mail communications sent by the College to students' official college e-mail accounts are considered delivered. Students may have their official college e-mail forwarded to an alternative account (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.), but do so at their own risk. The College is not responsible for any errors or delivery delays related to official college e-mail accounts being forwarded to alternate accounts. Students retain responsibility associated with official communications sent to their official college e-mail account.

Subpart E. Term of Student E-mail Account

E-mail communications sent by the College to students' official college e-mail accounts are considered delivered. Students may have their official college e-mail forwarded to an alternative account (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.), but do so at their own risk. The College is not responsible for any errors or delivery delays related to official college e-mail accounts being forwarded to alternate accounts. Students retain responsibility associated with official communications sent to their official college e-mail account.

Part 4. Privacy

Student e-mail is considered private information. As with all electronic communication, users of the student e-mail system must exercise diligent caution in communicating sensitive material.

Part 5. Appropriate Use of Student E-mail

Minneapolis College provides resources in support of its mission to continuously enhance lifelong learning by improving students' understanding and utilization of computing resources and information technology. As an institution of higher education, Minneapolis College intends to provide its community with open and unrestricted avenues of communication as long as such use complies with state and federal laws, and other Minneapolis College policies (such as 4.04 Student Code of Conduct and 4.04.01 Student Code of Conduct Procedures) and Minnesota State policies (such as Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board Policy 5.22 and Procedure 5.22.1). The use of Minneapolis College's computer systems and networks is a privilege and responsibility granted to faculty, staff, and students. Minneapolis College expects all members of its community to use these resources appropriately.

Part 6. Educational Uses of E-mail

Faculty may incorporate electronic forms of communication in their classes and will specify their requirements in the course syllabus. This policy will ensure that all students will be able to comply with e-mail-based course requirements specified by faculty.

Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Student Affairs and Vice President of Information Technology

Date of Adoption: 9/23/2008

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A

Date Last Amended: 7/12/2023

History and Subject of Revisions: 7/12/2023 (Comprehensive review, substantial updates to current technology and processes, added definitions), 9/23/2008 (Adopted)

Regulatory Authority (e.g. Minnesota State policy, federal or state law): Minneapolis College Policy 4.04 Student Code of Conduct and Minneapolis College Procedure 4.04.01 Student Code of Conduct Procedures; Minnesota State System Policies and Procedures:  System Procedure 1C.0.1 - Employee Code of Conduct; System Procedure 1C.0.2 - Respectful Workplace; 5.22 - Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources; System Procedure 5.22.1 - Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources; 5.23 - Security and Privacy of Information Resources; Operating Instruction 5.23.1.1 - Password Usage and Handling