Mustang Connection
Mustang Connection is designed to help incoming students enjoy a seamless technological experience throughout their academic journey. Below is a comprehensive overview of essential student‑related services for easy access and quick reference.
Student Handbook
The Southwest Minnesota State University Student Handbook is intended to provide information about services available at the University, as well as University policies and procedures. The University views itself as a community and expects each community member to become familiar with its standards and to assume responsibility for making decisions that govern their behavior within this community.
Release of Information
The Student Information Release form is not required; however, if you would like to give a parent, guardian, family member, friend, or another individual permission to access your personal and private information at SMSU, you must complete this form. This is especially important if someone is assisting you with paying for your education.
- Complete the form by providing the individual’s contact information and specifying what information you would like them to have access to. If the form is not completed, the University cannot share any confidential information with anyone other than you.
- This authorization is valid for one year from the date the form is completed. If you wish to continue granting permission beyond one year, the form must be completed annually.
- If you want to grant permission to multiple individuals, a separate form must be completed for each person.
STUDENT INFORMATION RELEASE
University Email
SMSU Information Technology Services (ITS) provides every student, faculty member, and staff member with an Office 365 email account. Important information related to classes, financial aid, direct deposit, and other University notifications will be sent to your campus email account. Your email address will typically be formatted as: Firstname.Lastname@my.smsu.edu
Student Access
Log in using your StarID@go.minnstate.edu and your StarID password.
Example: ab1234cd@go.minnstate.edu
StarID and Tech ID (Also Known as Mustang ID) Information
Your StarID serves as your login for essential services at Southwest Minnesota State University, such as eServices, wireless and wired network connections, D2L Brightspace, email, and more. Your StarID is unique to you, so be sure to remember it and keep your StarID password secure. Use the StarID Self‑Service site at https://starid.minnstate.edu/ to activate your StarID, reset your password, or look up your StarID. Please note that this is the only way to properly reset or update your StarID password.
- Tech ID (Mustang ID): Your Tech ID (sometimes referred to as a Mustang ID) is your eight‑digit Student ID number. This number can be found on your Mustang Card and is used to identify you within the student record system. Example: 12345678
- Change Default Email to SMSU: When transferring between Minnesota State institutions, it is common for the email address from your previous institution to remain set as your default email address. Instructions are provided below on how to update your default email to your SMSU email address.
Article: Change Default Email Address - StarID Password: Your StarID password must be changed at least every 180 days. As your password expiration approaches, the StarID system will send reminder emails to your preferred email address 21 days, 7 days, and 1 day before the password expires.
Public Safety & SMSU Alert
SMSU Alert is the official emergency notification system for Southwest Minnesota State University. The system will notify you of important emergency, safety and weather announcements for the campus community. You are automatically enrolled in the system to receive email messages, but must log in to set up text message & voice notifications.
D2L Brightspace
D2L Brightspace is similar to Naviance/Schoology/Blackboard; professors use D2L to add course materials, proctor online quizzes and exams, host online discussions; you can use D2L to find your class list, check the syllabus, and check your grades/attendance.
Campus Bookstore
The Barnes & Noble website allows you to order textbooks by selecting the semester and entering the department, course number, and section number. Check back later in the summer, as you may be able to begin ordering your course materials. You will have the option to rent or purchase your textbooks.
eServices
View class schedules, billing details, and other important information.
TV Streaming Service
SpectrumU TV is a video streaming service that delivers live TV with news, sports, and entertainment, in addition to on-demand television shows and movies, to iOS and Android mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and desktops over the SMSU campus network.
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Last Modified: 4/8/26 9:53 AM | Website Feedback