Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Academic Advisement
Careers
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Majors/Minors
Registration/Academics
Transferring to Minot State University
❓ Do I have to meet with my academic advisor before registering for classes?
It depends. Some students are required to meet with an advisor before registering, while others are strongly encouraged.
Check your Campus Connection account to see if you have any advisor or department holds that may prevent registration.
🗓️ How often should I meet with my academic advisor?
You should meet with your advisor:
- Before each semester to plan your courses.
- When you have questions about your major, policies, or procedures.
- If you need help finding campus resources.
✅ How should I prepare for my advising appointment?
To get the most out of your session, do the following:
- Check for Holds
Log in to Campus Connection and review any holds under Tasks and Communications. Click each hold for details on how to resolve it. - Review General Education Requirements
- Know Your Program Requirements
Look up the required courses for your major/minor/concentration in the Undergraduate Catalog. - Make a Course List
Draft a list of preferred courses for the upcoming semester. Your advisor can help you refine it. - Bring Questions
Write down any questions about your program, campus services, or course planning. - Be On Time
Advisors have busy schedules. If you can’t make your appointment, call ahead to reschedule.
🔄 How can I change my assigned academic advisor?
If you change your major, a new advisor will be assigned after you submit the Major/Minor/Conc Change Form. The form can be accessed by logging into Campus Connection > MiSU eForms > Registrar's Office.
To switch advisors within the same department, contact your department’s Administrative Assistant.
📇 How do I find my advisor’s contact information?
Log in to Campus Connection and go to Academic Progress or log into Starfish and click on My Success Network.
You can also use the Faculty & Staff Directory to find office locations.
📞 How do I schedule an appointment with my advisor?
You can schedule an appointment by:
- Starfish
- Phone
- In person
Starfish is an online scheduling tool. Ask your advisor which method they prefer.
Most faculty also offer walk-in or office hours.
💼 Where can I find out about internships?
Students can explore internship opportunities by registering with MSU’s Career Services. The office is located in the Academic Support Center (Lower Level of the Gordon B. Olson Library) and can be reached at 701-858-3362.
Additionally, faculty members are a valuable resource for students seeking internships and can often provide guidance or connections in your field of interest.
🔎 Can I take career assessments to help decide on a major?
Yes! Career Services offers several career assessments, including the Self-Directed Search (SDS) and Skill Scan. These tools can help you better understand your interests and strengths.
Students are encouraged to review their results with a career advisor to gain deeper insights and plan next steps.
👨💼 Where can I find assistance with my career search?
Career Services is here to support you throughout your job and career search. You can:
- Visit the Career Services website for resources and tools.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Services staff member in Starfish for personalized guidance.
📈 How do I calculate my GPA?
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of honor points earned by the total number of semester credits attempted (for grades A–F).
Honor points are determined by multiplying the number of credits for a course by the point value of the grade earned:
- A (4 points) × 3 credits = 12 honor points
- B (3 points) × 3 credits = 9 honor points
- C (2 points) × 3 credits = 6 honor points
- D (1 point) × 3 credits = 3 honor points
Total: 30 honor points ÷ 12 credits = 2.50 GPA
You can also use an Online GPA Calculator to help with the math.
❓ Will a “W” affect my GPA?
No. A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) does not impact your GPA.
📚 What GPA do I need to be in good academic standing?
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 to remain in good academic standing.
⚠️ What is Academic Warning?
If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.000 for the first time, you will receive an Academic Warning from the Registrar’s Office. This is a notice that your academic performance needs improvement.
⛔ What is Academic Probation?
If your term GPA is less than a 2.0 while on Academic Warning, you will be placed on Academic Probation. You'll be on Academic Probabtion until you cumulative GPA is a 2.0 or higher.
🚫 What is Academic Suspension?
If you are on Academic Probation and earn a term GPA below 2.0, you may be placed on Academic Suspension. This means you are temporarily not allowed to enroll. See the Undergraduate Catalog for full details.
💰 Can my GPA affect Financial Aid?
Yes. To maintain Financial Aid eligibility, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which includes GPA requirements. Visit the Financial Aid Office website for more information.
⏳ What is an incomplete grade?
An incomplete (I) may be requested if you’ve been attending and earning at least a C, but couldn’t finish the course due to valid reasons. Approval is at the instructor’s discretion. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more details.
📝 What should I do if the grade on my transcript is incorrect?
Start by speaking with your instructor. If the issue isn’t resolved, contact the Registrar’s Office within one year of the term in question. You may need to submit a Grade Appeals Form.
✅ Can I request to take a course for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading?
Yes, if you meet the following conditions:
- You’re in good academic standing.
- You’ve completed 60 or more semester hours.
- You request the S/U option before the last day to drop the course.
Note: S/U grading cannot be used for courses in your major, minor, General Education, or professional education sequence. A maximum of 15 elective S/U credits may count toward your degree.
🎓 What majors are available at Minot State University?
A complete list of majors and programs offered at MSU is available here. Specific requirements for all majors, minors, and concentrations can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
📝 How do I declare a major?
You can view your current major or program in Campus Connection by navigating to Academic Records. If the listed major is incorrect, submit the Major/Minor/Conc Change Form available under eForms in Campus Connection.
🖉 How do I change my major?
To change your major, complete the Major/Minor/Conc Change Form in Campus Connection under eForms. You’ll receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of submission.
🤔 What if I’m unsure about my major?
Career Services offers career exploration support for students who are undecided. Visit them in the Academic Support Center, located in the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library.
📚 Can I double major?
Yes! Students may pursue a single degree with more than one major. You can complete a double major or even more, as long as all requirements are met.
🎓 Can I earn a double degree?
Yes. Students may earn two or more bachelor’s degrees, provided each degree is different. You must complete all requirements for each degree program.
📅 How many credits are required for a degree?
A minimum of 120 credits is required to earn a baccalaureate degree at MSU.
❓ Do I have to choose a minor?
If you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, you must complete coursework outside your major. You have three options:
- One Major and two areas of Concentration
- One Major and one Minor
- Two Majors
📅 How do I register for classes?
Students are assigned a registration date and time, known as an Enrollment Appointment, in Campus Connection. Before registering, check for any holds that may affect your ability to enroll. Once your appointment time arrives and holds are cleared, you can register through Campus Connection.
⏱ How do I sign up for a waitlisted course?
If a course is full, you may be able to join a waitlist. When searching for classes, uncheck the “Show Open Classes Only” box. Select the course and check the “Waitlist if class is full” option. After enrolling, your waitlist position will be shown. If a seat opens, the first eligible student is automatically enrolled. Monitor your study list and drop yourself from the waitlist if you no longer wish to wait. You cannot be waitlisted for a course if already enrolled in another section of the same course.
💻 How do I sign up for an online course?
Use Campus Connection to register. Online courses are labeled “MSU Blackboard” under the Room column. To search specifically for online classes, select “Online Asynchronous” in the Mode of Instruction dropdown under Additional Search Criteria.
⛔ What is a registration hold? How do I know if I have one?
Holds can prevent registration and may include Advisor, Department, FOA, Housing, Health Center (MMR), and Orientation. Check your holds in Campus Connection under Student Center. Click each hold for details and contact information.
🔓 What if I want to take a class that is closed/full?
You may be able to join a waitlist. Check Campus Connection for availability. See the waitlist section above for more details.
📊 How do I know which Math class I am eligible to enroll in?
Consult your academic advisor or the Math department. Placement is based on your Math ACT or SAT scores. If you haven’t taken these exams or want to place into a higher course, schedule the Accuplacer Placement Test through the MSU Testing Center at (701) 858-3830.
📚 How many credits do I need to be a full-time student?
Fall/Spring: 12–18 credits
Summer: 6–12 credits
To exceed these limits, you need approval from your advisor and department chair. Additional charges apply.
📝 What is the maximum number of credits I can take in one semester?
You may take up to 18 credits. To exceed this, you must have a 3.0 GPA and advisor approval. The maximum is 22 credits. Submit the Registration Action Form via eForms in Campus Connection.
❓ What is an elective course?
Electives are courses that are not required for graduation or your degree program but can be taken for credit.
📚 How many credits of General Education Requirements do I need to complete?
MSU’s General Education model includes:
- Core Content: Courses in oral and written communication and quanitative reasoning.
- Growth Content: Courses in academic areas distributed across the arts, humanities, and history, natural science and technology, and social sciences. At least one laboratory course must be taken.
- Choice Content: Courses or growth content areas that are outside the major field of study.
Transfer students with 24+ credits may be exempt from UNIV 110 and must complete any remaining requirements.
🎓 Is it possible to participate in the Honors Program?
Yes. First-year students need a 25 ACT or 3.50 GPA. Continuing students need a 3.30 GPA. The program is open to baccalaureate students enrolled in 8+ credits. Students not meeting criteria may still apply. Visit the Honors Program website for more info.
🎓 How many credits do I need to graduate?
A minimum of 120 semester credits is required for a baccalaureate degree.
📝 How do I apply for graduation?
Submit the Application for Graduation in Campus Connection under eForms by the posted deadline each semester.
📦 How do I request a transcript?
Request an official transcript online, by mail, fax, or in person. Online requests via Campus Connection do not require a signature. There may be a fee to request a transcript. Visit the Registrar's Office website for more information.
Transferring to Minot State University
📋 How do I find out what credits will transfer to MSU?
Minot State accepts and transcribes all credits from regionally accredited institutions, and evaluates credits on a course-by-course basis from nationally accredited institutions. Transfer courses are reviewed and course equivalencies are noted on students’ transcripts in Campus Connection.
🔍 Where can I find information on transfer equivalencies?
Minot State University maintains many transfer course equivalencies with institutions in North Dakota, across the U.S., and in Canada. These equivalencies can be viewed in the online Transfer Evaluation System.
🤝 Does MSU have articulation agreements with other institutions?
Yes. Transfer Articulation Agreements are in place with many U.S. and international institutions to facilitate smooth credit transfers.
📚 How will my transfer courses satisfy MSU General Education requirements?
Once reviewed, transfer courses are listed on your transcript in Campus Connection. The Transfer Credit Summary Report shows which courses fulfill General Education requirements or specific course equivalencies.
Courses labeled with codes like 100HU (Humanities) meet General Education requirements but may not have a direct course equivalent.
You will satisfy all three components of MSU’s General Education requirements if you meet one of the following:
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a North Dakota University System (NDUS) school.
- Completed general education requirements at any NDUS school under the GERTA agreement.
Students transferring with 24 or more transferable credits are not required to take UNIV 110 but must complete any remaining General Education requirements.
📈 Will the grades I earned at my previous institution count toward my MSU GPA?
Yes. Grades from previous institutions are included in your cumulative GPA, except for remedial coursework.
🎓 Will I receive credit at MSU for my military service/coursework?
Yes. Basic training is accepted as KIN 100 and fulfills the wellness category of General Education. Other military credits are evaluated using the ACE Guide. However, military work experience is not accepted for credit.
