Orientation

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).
   • Dates for new Spring Semester students will be posted later in the Fall.
3. Stop by at least one of the Welcome Weeks activities. Attend the Connections Fair to get connected, get involved, and make a difference in one of our student clubs, recreation, leadership, and/or performance activities.
   • Connections Fair | Wednesday, September 3 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | T Outdoor Plaza

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! 

• Dates for new Spring Semester students will be posted prior to the start of the semester.

Students will earn points for attending appointments and events! Prizes for “most attended” and random drawing among students who attend at least one.

Events
More events and workshops will be added throughout the semester!

• COPAL (Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina) College Tour | Monday, October 6 | 2 p.m. - 4  p.m. | H.1002 Multipurpose Room
• Advising Open House | Thursday, September 18 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | T Building 2nd Floor
• Visionary Gathering: Building Your Community on Campus. An interactive workshop with snacks, designed especially for connecting First Year and First Generation students | Thursday, September 25 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | T.2901

Appointments

• Advising appointments
• Career appointment
• Tutoring or Mentoring appointment

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. 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:

Events, Student Organizations, Leadership Opportunities, Welcoming Spaces, Recreation and Wellness Activities

• Check out what Student Life has to offer: supports students with their interests through events, clubs and organizations, leadership development, and Recreation and Wellness activities.
• Equity and Inclusion programs provide welcoming centers for students, culturally relevant advising, events, and workshops.

Student Support Programs and Community

• Join Starting Point. Check to see if you qualify
• Take a First Year Experience Student Transitions (FYST) course
• Connect with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), if you are a student with a disability
• Plan tutoring, mentoring, or a workshop with the Academic Success Center.

Student Employment, Career Exploration and Planning

• Pursue Student Employment
• 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.

Many campus Support Services are available to meet your personal needs.

Weeks 3 -4

These are the weeks you will start to get grades for assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and papers. It’s a perfect time to use the free services here to support your success!

1. Go to or log into faculty office hours for clarifying project and paper ideas and instructions or for reviewing an exam or paper for understanding how you can improve on the next one. Office hour times and locations can be found in your course syllabus.
2. Schedule an appointment with a tutor for help understanding course material and assignments, as well as for developing new skills for learning the subject.
    
   • The Academic Success Center offers free in-person and virtual tutoring appointments.
   • If you need after hours tutoring, you are eligible for 15 hours of free tutoring per academic year through Tutor.com. Log in through one of your class sites in D2L. The link is under the “Resources” menu.
3. You can use the Study Buddies feature in Navigate to find students in your classes to study with.

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!