RESOURCEGuide

Where you belong!

SMSU

Musta

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

2013-2

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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

welcomefrom the Office of Student Success!

Drop-In CenterStudents who have questions orconcerns about their experience atSMSU are encouraged to stop by theOSS for help. We will make sure theyare connected with the appropriatedepartment or student service area forassistance.

Calling EffortsCourtesy calls are made to new studentsat the beginning of each semester tocheck in, as well as at the end of thesemester to remind current students toregister for classes for the upcomingsemester.

Student Acclimation SurveyGiven the 3rd week of classes, thissurvey helps determine how newstudents are adjusting to SMSU and ifadditional outreach and resources areneeded.

Parent / Guardian ConnectionsParents and guardians are an essentialcomponent to whether or not theirstudent is successful in college. Weensure that lines of communication areopen and available should they have anyconcerns about their student’s overallcollege experience at SMSU.

Early Alert Warning SystemDuring the 3rd and 7th week of classeseach semester, SMSU faculty are askedto report alerts for any student(s) whocould use additional assistance in one ormore of the following areas: Academic,Attendance, Behavioral, Personal,Financial, and Social. Followingsubmission, outreach and interventionstrategies are utilized by the OSS tohelp aid in the success of these at-riskstudents.

Student Health 101SH 101 is a monthly, electronicpublication which provides SMSUstudents and families a way toanonymously research the health andwellness issues that are most prevalenton today’s campuses. To read thismonth’s student issue visit:www.readsh101.com/smsu.html. The family version can be viewed at: www.readsh101.com/smsu-pp.html.

Student Perceptions / Exit ProcedureThe OSS meets with students who arenot planning to return to SMSU afterthe conclusion of a semester to discussthe exit procedure and to gathervaluable feedback about theirexperience. By collecting this data,SMSU is able to work towards meetingthe wants and needs of all of ourstudents to help aid in retention andcompletion efforts.

OFFICE OF STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES

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“Many of life’sfailures are peoplewho did not realizehow close they were tosuccess when theygave up.”– Thomas Edison

EDUCATION & CAREERGOALSAdvising CenterIL 148 / 507-537-6245www.smsu.edu/Go/AdvisingCenter The Advising Center coordinatesprograms and provides academicadvising for undeclared students. TheAdvising Center assists students in theselection of an academic major and/orminor. In addition to this, they workwith students on academic warningand probation. The Advising Centerwas also established as a resourcecenter for all students, so if studentshave any questions, concerns, or needacademic information, they can drop-inthe Advising Center anytime. TheAdvising Center is here to helpstudents achieve their personal, careerand academic goals

Career ServicesBA 156 / 507-537-6221www.smsu.edu/Go/CareerServicesCareer Services can assist you inchoosing a major, developing careerplans, applying to graduate schools, orlooking for internships and full timeemployment.

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 onyour overall well-being. Professionalcounselors are here to provide short-term counseling services to enrolledstudents. Counseling and testing services are confidential. Students donot have to be in crisis to accesscounseling services.

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.

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

IntramuralsRA 118 / 507-537-7383www.smsu.edu/Go/IntramuralIntramurals at SMSU give students anopportunity to stay fit and active, whilehaving fun with friends competing inathletic sporting events. Check outtheir website for more informationabout accessing rosters and finding outwhat intramurals are being offeredeach semester.

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New Horizons Crisis CenterSS 227 / 507-537-681724 Hour Crisis Line - 507-537-5764www.newhorizonscrisiscenter.orgOur mission is to work withindividuals and families who havebeen victimized by crime, while alsoproviding preventative, educational,parenting time, and crisis nurseryservices.

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.The area is especially suited to groupcollaboration, with spacious seatingand an open floor plan, and houses theEducation Department CurriculumLibrary and other resources andmaterials. The Academic Commonsoffers seamless access to services forSMSU students, and educationresources for the wider community.

Access, Opportunity & Success(AOS)IL 220 / 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 programprovides advising and supportiveservices to enable participants to beretained, SMSU graduates, and toenroll in graduate and professionalprograms where appropriate.

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 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, andas a condition of their admission, enrollin IDST 110, The UniversityExperience during their first semester.This two-credit interdisciplinary courseassists students in the transition tocollege by exploring how they learn,enhancing life skills such as timemanagement and organizational skills,enhancing study habits, andencouraging active learning anddevelopment of successful strategiesfor college.

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Library ServicesBA 299 / 507-537-6176www.smsu.edu/libraryThe McFarland Library is committed tosupporting the University’s academicmission, serving the SMSU communitythrough efficient access to qualitylibrary services, relevant collections,research guidance, and informationliteracy training.

Math LabIL 224 / 507-537-7391www.smsu.edu/Go/AcademicCommonsThe Math Lab is available to helpstudents 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.

Speech CenterBA 511 / 507-537-7207www.smsu.edu/Go/SpeechCenterThe Speech Center will provide freetutoring for all students for any coursethat requires public speaking or grouppresentations. The student does notneed to be enrolled in a public speaking course. The tutor will helpany SMSU student prepare for aspeech or class presentation, provideexamples of all outline arrangements,research sources, help brainstormtopics and give ideas for deliverytechniques.

Writing CenterBA 527 / 507-537-7294www.smsu.edu/Go/WritingCenterThe Writing Center assists studentswith their writing assignments byutilizing a writing consultant who willhelp you on an individual basis. Face toface or online meetings are available.The center is open during each classday.

FINANCIAL RESOURCESBusiness ServicesIL 139 / 507-537-6219www.smsu.edu/Go/BusinessServicesThrough the office of Business Services,SMSU is 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 loanprogram, there are no interest orfinance charges assessed, and there isno credit check. The cost to enroll inthe Nelnet payment plan is $25 persemester.

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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 offederal and state financial assistanceto students within rules andregulations established by therespective departments of education.The Student Financial Aid Officecoordinates all federal, state andinstitutional financial assistance,including grants, scholarships, studentemployment, and student loans.

SUPPORT SYSTEMSAthlete’s Academic ResourcesFH 311 / 507-537-7220www.smsumustangs.comThe Athlete’s Academic Resourcesprogram provides for a quality student-athlete experience within the contextof higher education and promotesstudent-athletes ownership of theiracademic, athletic, career, personaland community responsibilities. Theprogram also promotes respect fordiversity and inclusion among student-athletes, assists in identifying andapplying transferable skills to foster anenvironment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campusresources and encourage thedevelopment of character, integrityand leadership skills.

Campus Religious Center1418 Birch Street / 507-532-5731www.smsu.edu/Go/CRCThe Religious Center provides Biblestudies, counseling, social events andservice opportunities.

Office of Diversity & InclusionSC 231 / 507-537-7285www.smsu.edu/Go/Diversity The Office of Diversity & Inclusion’sprimary mission is to help ensure thatall students receive the qualityeducation that has become SouthwestMinnesota State University’strademark. As Minnesota becomesincreasingly diverse, SMSU hasrecognized that the academic andsocial challenges faced by underservedand underrepresented studentsrequire the focused efforts inrecruitment and retention that theOffice of Diversity & Inclusionprovides.

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Disability ResourcesBA 246 / 507-537-6492www.smsu.edu/Go/DisabilityThe Mission of Disability Resources isto provide an accessible universitycommunity, where students withdisabilities have equal opportunity tofully participate in all aspects of theeducational environment. Uponrequest, services, advocacy andaccommodations are provided tostudents with documented disabilitiesin their academic program or to accessuniversity programs, facilities and/oractivities.

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

Non-Traditional StudentOrganizationBA 265 / 507-537-6834NTSO@SMSU.edu NTSO is an organization that wasdeveloped to help non-traditionalstudents meet others that sharesimilar challenges such as adjusting tocollege life, juggling currentresponsibilities like working full/part-time and overseeing their children, andachieving academic success whilepursuing their college career.

Technology Resource CenterBA 161 / 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.

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, military andretirement pay, family assistance andveteran’s employment.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIESCenter for Civic EngagementBA 239-244 / 507-537-6423www.smsu.edu/Go/CivicIn support of the SMSU Mission, theCenter for Civic Engagement connectsacademic programs with communityneeds to use scholarship and action forthe mutual benefit of the University, itscommunities, and its diverse peoples.The Center serves as the intersectionbetween student learning, facultyresearch, and community engagement.It is committed to illuminating thevariety of ways in which SMSU strivesto make civic and communityengagement integral to learningexperiences campus-wide.

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!

Global StudiesSS 103 / 507-537-6224www.smsu.edu/Go/GlobalStudies During each academic year atSouthwest Minnesota State University,students have the opportunity toparticipate in a Global Studies travelopportunity in which they learn throughinvolvement and participation, as wellas develop valuable learning skills andlifelong friendships.

Honors ProgramBA 109 / 507-537-7206www.smsu.edu/Go/HonorsThe Honors Program provides well-prepared and highly motivated studentswith an alternative to the LiberalEducation Program (LEP)requirements. In place of the standardLEP, honors students are given theopportunity to design their own courseof study in the Liberal Arts - one that ismore challenging and directly suited totheir individual academic needs.

Student GovernmentSC 217 / 507-537-6140www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentGovThe SMSU Student Association is ahighly representative student advocacygroup which encourages activeinvolvement by all students in thedecision making process at ouruniversity. We are always seeking outthe best ways to benefit the entirestudent body. In order to do so, it isimportant 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. Weare student leaders, always looking fornew members. Find us in the StudentCenter.

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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 members ofthe 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. -Michael Munford CPP, CPO, Director ofUniversity Public Safety

Marshall Police Department507-537-7000www.marshallmn.comThe police mission of the MarshallDivision of Public Safety, MarshallPolice Department is to provide qualitypolice services to the community, actingas partners with community members topromote 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.

www.smsu.edu/today

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QUICK REFERENCE

Academic & Student Affairs ........................................................................................6246Academic Commons (Tutoring & Study Groups) .............................................................6484Admission ...................................................................................................................6286Advising .....................................................................................................................6245Alumni .......................................................................................................................6266ARAMARK (Campus Dining).........................................................................507-532-2268Athletics......................................................................................................................7271Barnes & Noble Campus Store......................................................................507-337-1450Business Services (Bills & Payments)...............................................................................6219Career Services ...........................................................................................................6221Civic Engagement........................................................................................................6423Counseling & Testing ...................................................................................................7150Dean, College of Arts, Letters & Sciences ...................................................................6251Dean, College of Business, Education & Prof Studies ..................................................6251Disability Resources....................................................................................................6492Diversity & Inclusion ..................................................................................................7285Financial Aid ...............................................................................................................6281Global Studies.............................................................................................................6224Health Services ...........................................................................................................7202Housing/Residence Life/Student Life...........................................................................6136International Student Services.....................................................................................6018Library Reference........................................................................................................6176Lost & Found ...............................................................................................................6552Mustang Card Center ..................................................................................................7330New Horizons Crisis Center/SMSU Outreach Office ..................................................6817Office of Student Success............................................................................................7290Post Office ..................................................................................................................6347Registration .................................................................................................................6206Religious Center............................................................................................507-532-5731Security (University Public Safety) ..............................................................................7252SMSU, Switchboard ...................................................................................................7678Speech Center .............................................................................................................7370Student Activities ........................................................................................................6394Technology Resource Center .......................................................................................6111Transcripts...................................................................................................................6207TRIO Upward Bound ..................................................................................................7286Veteran’s Resource Center...........................................................................................7213Writing Center ............................................................................................................7294

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

Office of Student Success • 1501 State Street, SC 224 • Marshall, MN 56258

507-537-7290 • www.smsu.edu/Go/StudentSuccess

Where you belong!

A Member of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities System. SMSU is an equal opportunity educator & employer. ADA Accessible.

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