Frequently Asked Questions

The following are "frequently asked questions" regarding Gold Rush Days at SMSU.

General Questions

Q:

When should I buy my books?

A:

The Barnes & Noble Campus Store will be open during Gold Rush Days for new students to purchase their books. Students may rent or purchase new or used books from Barnes & Noble Campus Store, and digital books may be available. The bookstore will match BN.com and Amazon prices. (stipulations apply)

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Q:

How do I use my Mustang Money?

A:

Mustang Money can be loaded on your Mustang ID card and used 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, even snack vending machines. You are also able to increase your print quota at the TRC and it 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 www.smsu.edu/mustangcard

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Q:

Are there things to do on campus after Gold Rush Days?

A:

YES! Gold Rush Days are just the beginning! Different groups will offer programing throughout the year ranging from concerts to game nights to service projects. Your RA will also host programs in your Residence Hall, and you’re invited to attend other halls’ programs as well. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

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Q:

When do we need our parking permit, what is the cost and where can we purchase it?

A:

There will be no ticketing for the first 10 days of the semester and permits must be purchased and displayed by September 11, 2020. Permits will be available for purchase at the Cashier’s Window (IL 132) and the Public Safety Office (basement of Founders Hall) The cost of the regular parking permit is $93.00 for the academic year.

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Q:

How and when do we get our student ID’s?

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 Gold Rush Days, the Mustang Card Center (Student Center) and a second Mustang Card station (Conference Center) will be open Thursday, August 18 and Friday, August 19 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The student will need a form of photo ID, like a driver’s license, high school ID, or passport to verify who they are.

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Q:

What are the definitions of delivery methods?

A:

Students should go into the class description in e-services and read what that description is for each class. To find definitions of each delivery method go to: https://www.smsu.edu/campuslife/registrationrecords/registration/index.html

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Financial Aid Questions

Q:

How do I go about finding a job on campus?

A:

First, check to see if you have been awarded work-study, which is granted through the FAFSA. You can find your award letter under the “Financial Aid” tab on e-services. Campus job openings for both work-study and regular pay will be posted on the Financial Aid website. It is up to you to contact the departments or areas in which you are interested and ask if they have any jobs available. Check the SMSU Dining Services website for additional job opportunities.

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Q:

How do I get paid for the work-study hours I work?

A:

All student workers are paid via direct deposit into your bank account. You will receive a direct deposit every two weeks for the number of hours worked. Most students work an average of 8-10 hours per week and get paid $10.00 per hour.

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Q:

When will the overage from my financial aid become available?

A:

All financial aid funds will be applied first to the charges on your account. Students who are expecting an overage are encouraged to submit Direct Deposit information online before August 31st. Any remaining funds will begin being directly deposited into your bank account (savings or checking) on September 2nd. If you did not sign up for Direct Deposit, a printed overage check will be mailed from SMSU to your school address on file on August 30th.

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Q:

How do we know if we have met the minimum payment criteria for fall semester?

A:

Minimum payment criteria needs to be met by August 26th. If a student has a FAFSA on file, a scholarship accepted, payment plan in place, or a down payment, minimum criteria has been met.

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Q:

Can we charge books to our financial aid?

A:

We encourage students to order their books anytime. Starting July 25th, books can be charged to their financial aid or student account. Go to https://smsu.bncollege.com/shop/smsu/page/find-textbooks to order books through Barnes & Noble. The final day to charge books to your financial aid is August 26th.

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Dining Questions

Q:

When do meal plans start?

A:

Meal plans begin Thursday, August 18th, for the evening meal. Meals from your dining plan can be used in the Residential Restaurant located in the Student Center. The meal plan week starts on Saturday and runs through Friday. Your meal plan will start over each week. Your meals do not carry over from week to week.

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Q:

Can I change my meal plan if it is not right for me?

A:

YES. Meal plan changes for Fall Semester may be made through Friday, September 9th. Meal plan changes for spring semester can be made the last two weeks of fall semester through the first two weeks of spring classes. These requests need to be submitted in writing to the Mustang Card Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center.

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Q:

What are Dining Dollars & how do I use them?

A:

Dining Dollars is the money associated with your 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 at Residential Dining (however meal plan swipes will be used in Res Dining before Dining Dollars are used). Dining Dollars roll over from 1st semester to 2nd semester, are a tax-free option and can be added to your account at any time.

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Housing Questions

Q:

When do we move in and where do we go?

A:

Move-in day for first-year students is Thursday, August 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students will be receiving an email in their smsu.edu account with a link to be able to choose a time to move in. 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. In order 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 you do not park in a “Reserved” spot.

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Q:

How often will the residence halls/campus buildings and bathrooms be cleaned?

A:

The residence halls and other campus buildings are cleaned and disinfected once per day and restrooms twice per day in accordance with MDH and CDC guidelines. CDC approved quaternary disinfectant is applied when sanitizing. The cleaning of bathrooms is the residents’ responsibility in Sweetland and Foundation Residence Apartments. All public spaces such as lounges, laundry facilities, hallways, etc., will be cleaned by SMSU staff.

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Q:

What can we bring to our residence hall room?

A:

A list of items to bring is provided for you. Please go to: https://www.smsu.edu/resources/webspaces/admission/images/reslife_moveininfosheet-3-20.pdf

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Q:

How do I find information on lofting my bed?

A:

Residents in Sweetland Hall,  El Dorado, Kamasutra, Sirius, and Titan need to contact the Housing office.

Students in all other traditional halls need to contact College Products https://www.collegeproducts.com/store/smsu/

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