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SMSU Students

Graduate Admitted Checklist

Welcome to the Mustang Family. Congratulations on your acceptance to Southwest Minnesota State University! You are joining a University that is committed to your success and will help you achieve your goals. This guide will provide you with your “Next Steps” as you continue on your journey to joining the Mustang Family.

1. Paying for Grad School

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Submit the FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA, if you haven’t already. Starting October 1, go to fafsa.gov, put in our SMSU FAFSA CODE OF 002375, and get it done!

With just a few exceptions, nearly everyone at SMSU qualifies for in-state, tuition, so if you’re from another state or another country, you’re a winner when it comes to the cost of your college education.

Types of Aid.

  • Teacher Federal Education Loans
  • Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Teacher TEACH Grant

www.smsu.edu/go/FinancialAid

2. Apply for scholarships

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What are the District Partner Scholarships?

Learning Community.

SMSU is offering a scholarship where if three or more from the same school district join a learning community, each will receive a $1000 scholarship! It will be dispersed to you $250 per semester.

On-campus or Online.

Also, if three or more prospects from the same school district or workplace join an on-campus or online graduate program at SMSU, each will receive $75 towards LiveText software, a portfolio platform used in the program.

For more information email graduatestudies@smsu.edu

3. Submit required health forms

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Stop in to Health Services. We provide free and confidential services, including medical evaluations, for registered students. There is a small fee for laboratory tests, certain medications, supplies, and sports physicals. We also assist you with off-campus referrals as necessary. In the interest of health and wellness for all SMSU students, staff and faculty, we actively promote a tobacco and vapor free environment.

If you are enrolled in classes during a full academic term (semester) or living in campus housing you will be required to be in compliance with the Minnesota College Immunization Law (Minn Stat 135A.14).

We do not provide immunizations. The law requires that you submit this information within 45 days of the beginning of the term in order to remain enrolled, so get your forms filled out and turned in as soon as possible!

www.smsu.edu/go/HealthServices

4. Parking information

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When parking on campus, regular permits must be displayed correctly in your vehicle from the rear-view mirror. Parking in reserved spots requires a permit for that spot at all times, this includes the Foundation Apartment lot. Permits are not required in the summer months except in the reserve parking locations.

Questions regarding parking should be directed to the University Public Safety Office at 507-537-7252. Parking permit registration form, parking regulations, parking permit rates for the current year are available at:

www.smsu.edu/go/PublicSafety

* Keep in mind permits are only required during the academic year Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm

Regular permits for Residential Students = $43.11

Regular Permits for Commuting Students = $46.50

Permits are available for purchase at the Cashier’s Window (IL 122) and the Public Safety office (basement of Founder’s Hall).

5. Apply for housing

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Don’t wait, apply today! The sooner you submit your Housing Application, the better! Choose the housing option that best fits you and apply online at www.SMSU.edu/go/residencelife, and click on “Housing Contract and Application.” 

IMPORTANT HOUSING DATES

  • Oct. 1: Housing Application Opens
  • April 3: Room & Meal Plan Selection Begins
    (priority based upon date housing application was completed)
  • Aug. 20: Move-In Day

www.smsu.edu/go/NewResidents

HOUSING OPTIONS (semester rates)

FOUNDATION RESIDENCE APTS.

  • Double $3,100
  • Dining Dollars (required) $300

TRADITIONAL HOUSING*

  • Double $2,609
  • Designed Single $3,388
  • Double as Single $3,575

SWEETLAND HALL*

  • Double $2,792
  • Designed Single $3,595

* The costs above do not include a meal plan.

6. Calendar

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ARE YOU WONDERING WHEN:

  • the semester starts?
  • you need to meet with your advisor?
  • we have holiday breaks?
  • the large events on campus will be held?

To find all the important dates go to: www.smsu.edu/calendars

7. Student ID card

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A MUSTANG CARD IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CURRENT STUDENTS. TO RECEIVE YOUR FIRST MUSTANG CARD ID:

Email MustangCard@smsu.edu the following items:

  1. Passport style photo
  2. Photo or scanned copy of driver’s license, passport, or other government issued photo id
  3. 8-digit Mustang ID number
  4. Mailing address where the card should be sent
Your card is designed as an all-in-one card to provide convenience and simplify your SMSU campus experience. It is all that is required to access services, resources and events on campus. It also provides financial access to your SMSU accounts. That means:
  • Dining Dollars
  • Mustang Money
  • Financial Aid
  • Meal Plans

www.smsu.edu/MustangCard

8. Choose a meal plan

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SMSU Campus Dining. Choose a meal plan that best fits your needs and then eat your heart out at the SMSU Food Hall, State Street Subs, the C-Store and the Coffee House! Every day you will have plenty of options to get the energy you need to attack the day!

Commuting to campus. Go to the Mustang Card Center on campus to select and purchase your meal plan.

Living on campus. You will choose your meal plan while filling out your housing application.

Meal Plan Options

Meal plan semester rates
Options Cost
14 Meals per week with $150 Dining Dollars $1,530
10 Meals per week with $400 Dining Dollars $1,607
19 Meals per week with $50 Dining Dollars $1,786

www.smsu.edu/go/MealPlans

9. Buying books

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Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The Barnes & Noble Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Center. Here you can buy your textbooks, SMSU apparel, SMSU gift items, school supplies, snacks, beverages, and more. during the first week of each semester, the bookstore has extended hours for students coming to evening and weekend courses.

Online Access. The Barnes & Noble Bookstore can also be accessed online. Through the website, you may order your textbooks and a limited variety of apparel and gift items. To view the online Barnes & Noble Bookstore, please visit the website at:

www.smsu.bncollege.com

10. Register for classes

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How to register for classes. Now that you have been accepted in the School of Graduate Studies at SMSU, it is time for you to register for classes.

First, you will want to connect with your Academic Advisor (the name of your advisor can be found on your acceptance packet) and see what classes to register for.

Then follow these simple steps once you are on the E-services page:

  1. Click on “Course & Registration”
  2. Click on “Search for a Course”
  3. Select ”Subject”
  4. Find courses & click on + to add them to your cart
  5. Click on “View/Modify Schedule”
  6. Click on all your classes
  7. Enter password to register

#FUTUREMUSTANG