RESOURCE

Where you belong!

Guide

SMSU

Musta

ngs----------------------

2017

-2018

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Dear Student,

Welcome to Southwest Minnesota State University! We are excited that you have selected SMSU as youruniversity of choice. We value your experience with usand are honored to have you join our campuscommunity. Not only will you love it here, you willcreate life-long relationships with students, faculty andstaff. We truly are a close-knit campus and SMSU willbe your “home away from home” as you pursue youracademic goals.

The Office of Student Success (OSS) at SMSU strivesto engage all students with their overall experience atSouthwest. We are here to help students achieveacademic success, as well as social and professionalgrowth. We recognize characteristics of all studentsand seek to provide an atmosphere of inclusion andunderstanding. We want you to have the bestexperience possible as an SMSU Mustang.

The Resource Guide for Mustang Success will be ahelpful tool for you. To name a few, this guideencompasses tutoring and learning assistance areas,financial resources, support systems, as well as studentactivities for you to take part in while you are here. Wehope you find this information useful.

If you ever have any questions about SMSU orconcerns about your experience with us, please knowthat we are here to help. We are happy to assist you, soplease do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

We wish you all the best this academic school year. Go Mustangs!

Sincerely,

Brittany Krull Assistant Director of Student Success

Brittany.Krull@SMSU.edu 507-537-7290

welcomefrom the Office of Student Success!

Drop-In CenterStudents who have questions or concernsabout their experience at SMSU areencouraged to stop by the OSS. Ifnecessary, we will make sure they areconnected with the appropriatedepartment or student service area foradditional assistance.

Courtesy CallsPhone calls are made to new students atthe beginning of each semester to check inand evaluate their acclimation to campus,as well as at the end of the semester toremind students about class registrationfor the upcoming semester.

Mustang Success Night Organized every fall semester, this eventis a great opportunity for new students toconnect with faculty and staff from all overcampus to learn about success relatedtopics and available support services.

Parent / Guardian ConnectionsParents and guardians are an essentialcomponent to whether or not their studentis successful in college. Lines ofcommunication are always open andavailable should they have any concernsabout their student’s overall collegeexperience at SMSU. For moreinformation, visit:www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentSuccess

Early Alert ProceduresTwice a semester, SMSU faculty are askedto report alerts for any student(s) in theirclassroom who could use additionalassistance and support in one or more ofthe following areas: Academic, Attendance,Personal, and Financial. Outreach andintervention strategies are then deployedby the OSS and Early Alert InterventionTeam to help aid in the success of these at-risk students.

Mustang Referral Form This form is to be used by non-teachingfaculty, staff, and students who have aconcern about a student and would likethe OSS to intervene. Teaching facultymay also use this form outside of earlyalert procedure timeframes.www.SMSU.edu/Go/MRF

Kudos!Even though identifying at-risk studentsand providing support is a primary goal ofthe OSS, it’s also important to recognizethose that are going above and beyond.Faculty and staff can submit a Kudos!form to recognize a current SMSU studentfor their hard work and determination.www.SMSU.edu/Go/Kudos

Finish Strong Week Organized every spring semester, FinishStrong Week helps students to finish theacademic year strong by preparing themfor finals and offering activities to helprelieve end of the semester stress.

Exit ProcedureThe OSS meets with students who are notplanning to continue their education atSMSU to discuss exit procedure steps andto gather valuable feedback about theirexperience. The collection of this feedbackhelps SMSU meet the wants and needs ofour students, which assists in retentionand completion initiatives.

OFFICE OF STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES

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EDUCATION & CAREER GOALSAdvising CenterIL 148 / 507-537-7100www.smsu.edu/Go/AdvisingCenter The staff at the Advising Centercoordinates programs and providesacademic advising for undeclaredstudents. We also assist students in theselection of an academic major and/orminor, work with students on academicwarning or probation, and are theofficial office for a UniversityWithdrawal. In addition to this, we area resource center for all students, so ifstudents have any questions, concerns,or need academic information, they cancontact us anytime. We are here to helpstudents achieve their personal, careerand academic goals.

Career ServicesBA 156 / 507-537-6221www.smsu.edu/Go/CareerServicesThe Career Services staff is dedicated tohelping students achieve their careerand professional goals. We offer manybeneficial resources that can assist inselecting a major, developing careerplans, and applying to graduate schools.Career Services coordinates job fairs,employer visits to campus, and resumeand interview workshops throughoutthe year. We assist students with joband internship searches, as well as jobshadowing opportunities. Students areencouraged to make an appointmentand begin networking with CareerServices as a first-year student.Together we’ll do great things.

PHYSICAL & MENTALHEALTHCounseling & Testing ServicesBA 156 / 507-537-7150www.smsu.edu/Go/CTservicesCollege is a time of change that can bevery exciting as well as stressful andchallenging. Experiencing stress,

relationship concerns, loneliness, orother personal issues can take a toll onoverall well-being. Licensed professionalcounselors are here to provide short-term counseling services to enrolledstudents. Counseling services areconfidential. Students do not have to bein crisis to access counseling services.Students have the option of having Lexithe therapy dog attend their counselingappointment. Group counseling is alsoavailable.

Two relaxation rooms are available forstudent use. A private room has amassage chair in which to relax andenjoy a full-body massage. A secondrelaxation room is available forindividual or group use and has adultcoloring books, games, crafts, yogamats, relaxation CDs and more.

The Testing Center offers a variety oftests including CLEP, DSST, PearsonVUE tests (including MTLE), and manymore. Test proctoring services are alsoavailable.

Fitness CenterRA 124 / 507-537-6166www.smsu.edu/Go/FitnessCenterThe SMSU Fitness Center offersstudents many options to exercise intheir free time. The various options arelocated in the Physical Educationbuilding and Recreation/AthleticFacility. Students are able to visit thefollowing areas: Weight Room, FitnessCenter, Pool, and R/A Facility. Thefacilities are free to enrolled studentswith a valid student ID.

Health Services BA 158 / 507-537-7202www.smsu.edu/Go/HealthServicesHealth Services provides registeredstudents with free and confidentialservices for medical evaluations. Thereis a small fee for laboratory tests, minorprocedures and medications. We assist students with off-campusreferrals as necessary.

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Healthy56258 FH 227 / 507-537-6483https://healthy56258.orgHealthy56258 is a grass roots initiativebringing together passionate anddedicated individuals and groups toestablish and sustain a culture of healthand wellness in Marshall, Minnesota.Take a tour of our website to learn howhealthy eating and active living can putyou on path to living a healthier life.

IntramuralsFH 308 / 507-537-7383www.smsu.edu/Go/IntramuralThe Intramurals sports program atSMSU provides students withopportunities to participate in a varietyof competitive and recreational activities.All skill levels are welcome with nearly10 sports leagues offered throughout theschool year. You will be sure to findsomething just for you.

New Horizons Crisis CenterSS 227 / 507-537-681724 Hour Crisis Line: 507-532-5764www.newhorizonscrisiscenter.orgOur mission is to build a safer ruralMinnesota for children, women and men.We are dedicated to empowering crimevictims, promoting healthy relationships,preventing assault and abuse, andproviding education, parenting time andcrisis nursery services.

CARE TeamSC 234 / 507-537-6018www.smsu.edu/Go/CareTeamThe mission of the Campus Assessment,Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Teamis to provide a proactive and supportiveapproach to the assessment andintervention of student situations inwhich there is concern for the well-beingof the student and/or others. The teamwill serve as a coordinating network ofexisting SMSU resources, focused onearly intervention and response tocommunity situations involving SMSUstudents experiencing distress orengaging in harmful or disruptivebehaviors.

Student Health 101SC 231 227 / 507-537-7290SH 101 is a monthly, electronic magazinewhich provides SMSU students andfamilies a way to anonymously research thehealth and wellness topics that are mostprevalent on today’s campuses.

Student Version:www.readsh101.com/smsu.html

Family Version:www.readsh101.com/smsu-pp.html

LEARNING ASSISTANCE

Academic Commons IL 224 / 507-537-6484www.smsu.edu/Go/AcademicCommonsThe Academic Commons is a studycenter that offers an array of studentacademic support services to enhanceopportunities for learning for allstudents. Tutoring & study groups areavailable in many different subjects. Thearea is especially suited to groupcollaboration, with spacious seating andan open floor plan, and houses theEducation Department CurriculumLibrary and other resources andmaterials. The Academic Commons offersseamless access to services for SMSUstudents, and education resources for thewider community.

Access Opportunity Success (AOS)Commons East / 507-537-6169www.smsu.edu/Go/AOSThe mission of the AOS program is toprovide a TRiO SSS Best Practicesprogram for outreach/recruitment andretention of underrepresented students(low income, first generation andstudents of color). The program providesadvising and supportive services toenable participants to be retained, SMSUgraduates, and to enroll in graduate andprofessional programs whereappropriate.

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Educational Opportunity FYEIL 224 / 507-537-7324www.smsu.edu/Go/EducationOpportunityThe mission of the EducationalOpportunity First Year Experienceprogram is to provide support andadvising for students who do not meetSMSU’s regular admissionrequirements, but who have beengranted a conditional admission due toa combination of academic criteria, lifeexperiences, desire, and motivationproviding for potential academicsuccess. Educational Opportunitystudents are advised their first year byEducational Opportunity faculty, and asa condition of their admission, enroll inIDST 110, The University Experienceduring their first semester. This two-credit interdisciplinary course assistsstudents in the transition to college byexploring how they learn, enhancing lifeskills such as time management andorganizational skills, enhancing studyhabits, and encouraging active learningand development of successful strategiesfor college.

Library ServicesBA 299 / 507-537-6176www.smsu.edu/libraryThe McFarland Library provides accessto quality library services, relevantcollections, and research guidance.Technology support and inviting studyspaces are available. Online resourcesand research guides are available 24/7through the library’s home page. Thelibrary is open seven days a week. Visitthe library home page for hours or tomake an individual ResearchConsultation appointment.

Math Help CenterIL 224 / 507-537-6484www.smsu.edu/Go/AcademicCommonsThe Math Help Center is available tohelp students succeed in mathematicscoursework. Whether you need regulartutoring, places to hold a study groupsession, or simply just a little help witha homework question, pay them a visit.For hours of operation, please visit ourwebsite.

Speech CenterBA 511 / 507-537-6345www.smsu.edu/Go/SpeechCenterThe Speech Center provides freetutoring for any SMSU course thatrequires public speaking or grouppresentations. The student does notneed to be enrolled in a public speakingcourse to work with a tutor. The SpeechCenter is located on the fifth floor of thelibrary and is equipped with aSmartBoard and video camera. Tutorsare prepared to assist with a range ofspeech related issues includingbrainstorming topics, preparingoutlines, developing slide presentations,and refining delivery techniques.

Writing CenterBA 527 / 507-537-7294www.smsu.edu/Go/WritingCenterThe Writing Center offers free tutoringfor students on any kind of paper forany class. Undergraduate WritingConsultants work with students at anystage of the writing process. They canhelp students identify a topic, organizethe ideas, learn how to citeappropriately, or use punctuationcorrectly. Face-to-face or onlinemeetings are available. The center isopen during class days in the fall andspring semesters. Students sign up forappointments on the Writing Center’swebsite.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Business ServicesIL 139 / 507-537-7117www.smsu.edu/Go/BusinessServicesThrough the office of Business Services,SMSU offers a payment plan optionthrough Nelnet Business Solutions.Through this program, you can arrangefor a down payment or monthlypayments to be automatically deductedfrom a checking or savings account orcharged to a VISA, MasterCard,Discover, or American Express Card.Monthly payments are due on the 5th ofeach month. This is not a loan program,there are no interest or finance chargesassessed, and there is no credit check.The cost to enroll in the Nelnet paymentplan is $24 per semester.

Financial AidIL 145 / 507-537-6281www.smsu.edu/Go/FinancialAidThe mission of the Student FinancialAid Office is to provide fair, equitable,and unbiased service to studentsseeking financial aid. This missionsupports the mission of the Universityby helping students find financial means that enable them to enroll in and complete their academic programs.The office guarantees delivery of federaland state financial assistance tostudents within rules and regulationsestablished by the respectivedepartments of education. The StudentFinancial Aid Office coordinates allfederal, state and institutional financialassistance, including grants,scholarships, student employment, andstudent loans.

Mustang Card Center SC 225 / 507-537-7330www.smsu.edu/MustangCardThe Mustang Card is designed tosimplify campus life by combiningaccess to financial accounts, services,and activities all into one card. It is theonly card students need to carry withthem to buy books, pay tuition and fees,access their meal plan, do their laundry,rent movies, access library materials,work out at the fitness center, grab aquick beverage at the Coffeehouse orvending machine, get into a footballgame, and more. The Mustang Cardalso provides free bus rides andmerchant discounts all aroundMarshall. Visit our website to learnabout simplifying your life and gettingmaximum benefits from your MustangID.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Student-Athlete Academic ResourcesFH 311 / 507-537-7220www.smsumustangs.com/AcademicResources

The Student-Athlete AcademicResources program provides for aquality student-athlete experiencewithin the context of higher educationand promotes student-athletesownership of their academic, athletic,career, personal and communityresponsibilities. The program alsopromotes respect for diversity andinclusion among student-athletes,assists in identifying and applyingtransferable skills to foster anenvironment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campusresources and encourage thedevelopment of character, integrity andleadership skills.

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Campus Religious Center1418 Birch Street / 507-532-5731www.smsucrc.orgThe CRC houses the Lutheran andCatholic ministries on campus, as wellas being the home of the Newman Club.The Campus Religious Center hostsgame and movie nights, fellowshipevents, Bible studies, and times ofworship, all designed to support you onyour faith journey during your yearshere at SMSU. In addition to on-campus activities, both ministries offermission trips, service projects andretreats, both in the Marshallcommunity and beyond. There are alsoopen hours for students to use thecenter on their own time, for time in theChapel, for homework, or to just relaxwith friends. Membership in aLutheran or Catholic Church is notrequired to join in any of the activities,just a willingness to meet and connectwith other people on their faithjourneys. We hope to see you at yourCampus Religious Center soon!

Office of Diversity & InclusionCommons East / 507-537-7285www.smsu.edu/Go/DiversityThe mission of the Office of CulturalDiversity and Inclusion is to provide aninclusive, quality and comprehensiveeducational experience for studentsfrom all religions, races, ethnicities,genders, ages, sexual orientation andcountries. We will engage the campusand surrounding communities topromote and advocate for Diversity andMulticulturalism.

Disability ServicesBA 246 / 507-537-6492www.smsu.edu/Go/DisabilityThe mission of Disability Services is toprovide an accessible universitycommunity, where students withdisabilities have equal opportunity tofully participate in all aspects of theeducational environment. Upon request,services, advocacy and accommodations

are provided to students withdocumented disabilities in theiracademic program or to accessuniversity programs, facilities and/oractivities.

International Student ServicesSC 237 / 507-537-6018www.smsu.edu/Go/InternationalInternational Student Services is theprimary contact for all Internationalstudents from the time they apply to thetime they graduate. The office also helpsInternational students adjust to theAmerican culture and encouragesstudents to accomplish their academicand career goals.

Non-Traditional StudentOrganizationBA 265 / 507-537-7380Brittany.Majusiak.2@smsu.eduNTSO is an organization that wasdeveloped to help non-traditionalstudents meet others that share similarchallenges such as adjusting to collegelife, juggling current responsibilitieslike working full/part-time andoverseeing their children, and achievingtheir goals.

Technology Resource CenterMcFarland Library / 507-537-6111www.smsu.edu/Go/ITServicesThe Technology Resource Centerprovides free services such as wirelessand wired network configuration,software installation, virus removal,operating system maintenance andlimited hardware support. Informationregarding software package benefits forstudents can also be obtained there.

Veterans Resource CenterSS 132 / 507-537-7213www.smsu.edu/Go/VeteransThe Veterans Resource Center is available to provide assistance to veterans and their family members oneducation benefits, VA programs, tri-care insurance, and military academicsuccess while pursuing their collegecareer.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Center for Civic EngagementBA 161 / 507-537-6423www.smsu.edu/Go/CivicThe Center for Civic Engagement is astarting point for learning more aboutways in which you can connect with thecommunity and help address area needsthrough volunteering, service-learning,social entrepreneurship, or community-based research. The Center houses theMustangsVolunteer platformhttps://smsu.galaxydigital.com/, anonline resource that connects campusmembers with 60+ service agencies,enabling us to work together with localcommunities to meet a variety of needs.

Clubs & OrganizationsSC 219 / 507-537-6394www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentActivities The Southwest Minnesota StateUniversity Club and OrganizationProgram is developed to facilitate yourco-curricular experience through hands-on involvement. This will enhance yourcollegiate life, teach you life andleadership skills, provide you withopportunities to meet and work with diverse campus populations, andexpose you to many new viewpoints,ideas and experiences that will enrichyour education. Visit the website to seea list of those that are available!

Honors ProgramBA 104 / 507-537-7141www.smsu.edu/Go/HonorsThe Honors Program offers qualifiedstudents from all disciplines enhancedopportunities to develop leadershipskills, engaged critical thinking, andglobal consciousness. The HonorsProgram supports an undergraduateeducation through a rigorous andchallenging curriculum with a focus onthe individual student’s potentialtalents, interests, and abilities. HonorsProgram students are encouraged todesign an academic plan that createsinnovative experiences, exploration ofdiversity, interdisciplinary connections,and contributions to the community.

Student AssociationSC 217 / 507-537-6140www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentGovThe Student Association highlyencourages active involvement by allstudents in the decision making processat our university. We are alwaysseeking out the best ways to benefit theentire student body. In order to do so, itis important we hear input from otherstudents and faculty. If you have anidea, or an issue, feel free to contact asenator or a student governmentexecutive by using the contact info andmembers sections in our website. Youcan also attend any of our committeeand senate meetings.

Study AbroadSC 238 / 507-537-6018www.smsu.edu/Go/StudyAbroad Study Abroad opportunities coordinatedthrough the International ProgramOffice and an academic advisor atSMSU, offers students the uniqueopportunity to earn credits towards adegree while learning about anotherculture, history and people.

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CHILD CARE SERVICES

SMSU Child Care Center1502 Birch Street / 507-537-6014www.smsu.edu/Go/ChildCareThe SMSU Child Care Center offerslicensed day care to students, faculty,and staff of the university. The center’soverall program promotes developmentof the total child: physically, socially,and emotionally. There is emphasis onlanguage, arts, communication, math,logical reasoning, science, social-personal growth, art and social studies.

SECURITY

University Public SafetyFH B / 507-537-7252www.smsu.edu/Go/PublicSafetyAt Southwest Minnesota StateUniversity, the safety of our students,faculty, and staff is always at the top ofour agenda. We work hard to provide asecure campus, and we make availableinformation and resources to membersof the campus community to advise andeducate them on making and keepingthe environment safe. All members ofthe SMSU community should take anactive role in their own security.

Marshall Police Department507-537-7000www.ci.marshall.mn.us/mainThe police mission of the MarshallDivision of Public Safety, MarshallPolice Department is to provide qualitypolice services to the community, actingas partners with community membersto promote safety, peace, and order; torespond to and deter crime; to enforcelaws and ordinances; and thesafeguarding of constitutionalguarantees. We nurture public trust bystriving to attain the highest degree ofethical behavior and professionalconduct at all times.

TRANSPORTATION

Marshall Area Transit507-537-1416https://unitedcapmn.org/services/community-transit/dispatch-service/ Community Transit of UnitedCommunity Action Partnership is apublic transit service providingtransportation options for all peoplethroughout Southwest Minnesota.SMSU students can ride free on eitherthe red or blue route by showing theirMustang ID. Maps of each route can befound on the website.

Marshall Taxi507-829-3055www.marshalltaxi.com The Marshall Taxi has been providingthe area with both local and longdistance taxi services since 2009.Marshall Taxi is a locally owned andoperated company. We provide local taxiservices anywhere you need to go(within Marshall city limits) for a lowflat rate.

Jefferson Lines1-800-451-5333www.jeffersonlines.com Providing scheduled individual andgroup travel services, Jefferson Linesgives SMSU students the opportunity oftraveling with them due to a convenientstop at Southwest Minnesota StateUniversity. Pick up location is in frontof the Conference Center.

Academic & Student Affairs ........................................................................................6246Academic Commons (Tutoring & Study Groups).........................................................6484Access Opportunity Success .......................................................................................6169Admission ...................................................................................................................6286Advising .....................................................................................................................7100Athletics......................................................................................................................7271Barnes & Noble Campus Store......................................................................507-337-1450Business Services (Bills & Payments) ...........................................................................7117Campus Religious Center ..............................................................................507-532-5731Career Services ...........................................................................................................6221Campus Dining .............................................................................................507-532-2268Civic Engagement........................................................................................................6423Counseling & Testing Services .....................................................................................7150Dean of Arts, Letters & Sciences .................................................................................6251Dean of Business, Education, Graduate & Professional Studies...................................6251Disability Services.......................................................................................................6492Diversity & Inclusion ..................................................................................................7285Financial Aid ...............................................................................................................6281Health Services ...........................................................................................................7202Housing/Residence Life ...............................................................................................6136International Student Services.....................................................................................6018Lost & Found ...............................................................................................................7330Math Help Center .......................................................................................................6484McFarland Library .......................................................................................................6176Mustang Card Center ..................................................................................................7330New Horizons Crisis Center/SMSU Outreach Office ..................................................6817Non-Traditional Student Organization ........................................................................7380Office of Student Success............................................................................................7290Post Office ..................................................................................................................6347Registration .................................................................................................................6206Security (University Public Safety) ..............................................................................7252SMSU Switchboard ....................................................................................................7678Speech Center .............................................................................................................6345Student Activities ........................................................................................................6394Study Abroad...............................................................................................................6018Technology Resource Center .......................................................................................6111Transcripts...................................................................................................................6207Veteran’s Resource Center...........................................................................................7213Writing Center ............................................................................................................7294

To contact these departments, call 1-800-642-0684 and ask for the four digit extension.

QUICK REFERENCE

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Office of Student Success • 1501 State Street, SC 231

Marshall, MN 56258 • 507-537-7290www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentSuccess

Where you belong!

We are an affirmative action / equal opportunity university / ADA AccessibleSMSU is a member of the Minnesota State system.

Follow us on Twitter@SMSUSuccess

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