New Student Checklist
Congratulations on your admission to M State!
We are so excited to have you join the M State community. Whether you're in-person or online, prepare for your first semester by reviewing and completing the steps outlined below.
You received a StarID username when you filled out your application online. Use your StarID to log into eServices and register for courses, view financial aid status, pay tuition, find your unofficial transcripts and much more.
Visit this StarID page to manage your StarID username and password.
The SpartanConnect Form gathers information about you and your needs as you transition to college. This form should take no longer than five minutes to complete. After you submit the form, a Success Navigator will contact you to connect you to resources.
Transcripts
If you have previously attended other colleges, you are required to send your final high school transcript (with graduation date) and any official college transcripts (with final grades) to records@minnesota.edu. Or, mail your transcripts to M State Processing Center, 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN, 56537.
Visit Transferring to M State for more information.
Immunization Records
M State requires your most recent vaccination dates for measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR (at least one dose required after 12 months of age), and tetanus/diphtheria, or Td (typically updated every 10 years).
Fill out our immunization form (under "Admissions" and then "Immunization form"). Please see the form for any exemptions.
Take a placement test, if needed. M State uses ACT, SAT, MCA, Accuplacer scores, high school GPA or previous coursework to determine course placement. The Accuplacer assessment is available in-person and online.
Visit Placement Testing to learn more or to sign up for the Accuplacer. Questions? Our advising team is happy to help. They can be reached at advising@minnesota.edu or found in the Advising Zoom Room in your SpartanNet account.
You were required to choose a major when you applied to M State. Please read about your chosen program online to:
- Learn of any special admissions requirements you may need to complete before you can enroll in classes, and
- Gain a full understanding of the classes you'll need to take to complete your degree or diploma
If you're interested in multiple programs or are unsure of your major, explore your interests by reviewing M State's program pages and signing up for a Career Exploration Session.
A Success Navigator is happy to help answer any questions you might have about your program of study.
Academic advising services are offered to all students. During your registration event or new student advising appointment, you and an advisor will discuss your academic plan before you register for classes.
- Visit Registration to schedule an advising appointment or sign up for a registration event.
Be sure to submit your FAFSA or make a prepayment before the semester starts to stay enrolled in your courses. There are many different options when determining how to pay your college bill:
- Financial aid (loans, grants and work-study funds)
- Scholarships
- Outside agency funding, such as the Rural Minnesota CEP or ND Job Service
- Military benefits
- Credit card or eCheck at M State's eServices
- Set up a payment plan
Be prepared for your first semester at M State! Log in to online orientation using your Office 365 SSO login information (StarID@go.minnstate.edu).
If you have problems logging in, call 218-299-6600 during business hours or submit a help request.
Tackle your to-do items before the semester starts! At a Start Smart workshop, you'll learn to:
- Set up your email
- Review computer requirements for your program
- View your bill and check your financial aid status
- Review payment plans
- View your schedule for the upcoming semester, order textbooks and more
As an M State student, you have unlimited access to various resources and support. Explore them at Know Before You Go.
Launch your M State experience at M State Welcome Days! During your first two weeks at M State, you'll meet other new students, learn more about M State, and get to know the community. See the events schedule at M State Welcome Days and get ready for fun!
Need help or have questions?
Contact the Success Navigators
Email: success-navigators@minnesota.edu
Visit Success Navigators