Frequently Asked Questions

The following are "frequently asked questions" regarding Welcome Week at SMSU.

General Questions

Important Payment Dates

Q:
When to purchase textbooks?: A:

The Barnes & Noble Campus Store will be open during Welcome Week for new students to purchase their books. Students may rent or buy new or used books from the Barnes & Noble Campus Store, and digital books may be available. The bookstore will match BN.com and Amazon prices. (stipulations apply); Return to Top

Q:
How to use Mustang Money?: A:

You can now load Mustang Money on your Mustang ID card and use it just like CASH to purchase anything at the Barnes & Noble Campus Store, The Mustang Zone, all campus food venues, including the restaurant, Coffee House and convenience stores, and even snack vending machines. You can also increase your print quota at the TRC, which can be used at the Cashier’s Window. Mustang Money is the easy way to make purchases on campus without carrying cash. For more information or to add more Mustang Money, visit the Mustang Card website.; Return to Top

Q:
What to do on campus after Welcome Week?: A:

Welcome Week is just the beginning! Different groups will offer programming throughout the year, ranging from concerts to game nights to service projects. The Student Activities Committee (SAC) plans many of these events, and there are dozens of student clubs and organizations you can join to explore your interests and meet new people. Your RA will also host programs in your Residence Hall, and you’re invited to attend programs in other halls as well. Don’t be afraid to try something new!; Return to Top

Q: Parking permits: when needed, cost, and where to purchase?: A:

Parking permits are no longer required in most parking lots on the SMSU campus. Parking permits will be needed for the Foundation Residence Apartments (FRA) Lot E and for reserved parking spaces in each lot. Students looking to purchase a parking permit for the FRA Lot should go to the Cashier's Window.; Return to Top

Q:
How and when to get a student ID?: A:

Students can come to campus anytime between now and the start of class to get their Mustang ID. Call (507) 537-6573 to see how you can get your Mustang ID mailed to you. Once on campus during Welcome Week at the Mustang Card Center (Founders Hall), the student will need a form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, high school ID, or passport, to verify their identity.; Return to Top

Q:
What are the definitions of course delivery methods?: A:

Students should check the course descriptions in e-services to learn what each class is for. Go here to see the definitions of each delivery method.; Return to Top

Q:
How to find a job on campus?: A:

Start by checking if you’ve been awarded work-study through your FAFSA. You can view your award offer under the Financial Aid tab in E-Services. Campus job openings – both work-study and regular hourly positions – are posted on the Financial Aid website. From there, reach out directly to departments or offices you’re interested in to ask about available positions. For additional opportunities, visit the SMSU Dining Services website.; Return to Top

Q:
How to get paid for the work-study hours?: A:

Student workers are paid by direct deposit every two weeks for hours worked. Most students work 8-10 hours per week at $12 per hour.; Return to Top

Q:
When does the financial aid overage become available?: A:

Financial aid first pays your account charges. Any remaining funds are sent by direct deposit (if you’ve set it up) or by check to your school address. Overages are processed after aid is applied.

Q:
How to check if the minimum payment criteria for the fall semester are met?

You've met the minimum payment if you have one of the following:

Q:
Can book costs be charged to financial aid?: A:

Yes. After the announced start date of each term, you can charge books to your student account when ordering through Barnes and Noble. The deadline to charge books is also announced.; Return to Top

Q:
When do meal plans start?: A:

Meals from your dining plan can be used in the Residential Restaurant located in the Student Center. The meal plan week runs from Sunday through Saturday. Your meal plan will start over each week. Your meals do not carry over from week to week.; Return to Top

Q:
Can a meal plan be changed if it's not a good fit?: A:

YES. Meal plan changes for the spring semester can be made during the last two weeks of the fall semester through the first two weeks of spring classes. These requests must be submitted in writing to the Mustang Card Center on the first floor of Founders Hall.; Return to Top

Q:
What are Dining Dollars, and how do I use them?: A:

Dining Dollars is the money associated with the meal plan that allows you to use your meal plan allocation outside of Residential Dining. Dining Dollars can be used at all food service locations, both retail and Residential Dining (however, meal plan swipes will be used in Res Dining before Dining Dollars). Dining Dollars roll over from the 1st to the 2nd semester, are tax-free, and can be added to your account at any time.; Return to Top

Q:
When to move in, and where to go?: A:

Students will receive an email in their smsu.edu account with a link to choose a move-in time. The smsu.edu email accounts should be checked often, as updates will be posted as soon as they are available. Temporary parking is available on Birch Street as you move in. To accommodate all students moving in, please move your vehicle once it is empty. You can park in the lots located on the East and West ends of campus. Please be sure not to park in a “Reserved” spot.; Return to Top

Q:
What to bring to a residence hall room?: A:

Please see the following list of items to bring.; Return to Top

Last Modified: 12/9/25 10:47 AM | Website Feedback