Frequently Asked Questions

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out who my faculty advisor is?
2. When do I declare my major and get a faculty advisor in the major?
3. How do I change my faculty advisor, major, and/or minor?
4. How do I contact my advisor?
5. What is meant by admission to the major?
6. If I have not completed all the requirements for admission to my major, but want to enroll in upper level classes, what can I do?
7. I could take 300 and 400 level courses last semester, but I can't now. Why?
8. How do I apply for admission to a major in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology?
9. Where do I get a copy of my transcript and/or transfer evaluation?
10. How do I find out how my transfer credits apply at Minnesota State University, Mankato?
11. How do I register for more than 18 credits?
12. How do I apply for graduation?
13. How does a pass/no credit grade affect my GPA?
14. Which courses may I take on a pass/no credit basis?
15. How many courses can I take on a pass/no credit basis?
16. How do I appeal a grade?
17. How do I find out if I'm finished with general education requirements?

How do I find out who my faculty advisor is?

Stop by our office (C-125 Trafton Science Center), or e-mail us at csetadvising@mnsu.edu to find the name of your faculty advisor.

You can also check your E-services account. Log on and click View Modify Class Schedule and your advisor will be listed.

When do I declare my major and get a faculty advisor in the major?

As soon as you know what you want to major in, you should declare your major and have an appropriate advisor assigned to you. You do not have to be admitted into the college to declare a major.

How do I change my faculty advisor, major, and/or minor?

Stop in to our office to complete the form, call us (389-1521), or print out the form on the SACC website under forms.

How do I contact my advisor?

You may call, e-mail, or stop by your faculty advisor's office to make arrangements for a meeting. Most advisors will have office hours posted outside their office.

 

What is meant by admission to the major?

 

Admission to your major is required for enrollment in junior-senior level classes (300-400 level).

The general requirements are as follows:

• Have a declared first major in one of the college programs
• Have an assigned advisor in your major. You must have met with your advisor and discussed your program before applying.
• Complete a minimum of 32 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
• Complete any additional requirements for admission to your major as outlined in your undergraduate bulletin.
• Achieve a "C" or better in ENG 101 and Goal Area 4 (general education requirements).

The following majors have these additional requirements:

• Biochemistry Majors: (Chem 201 and Chem 202 with a “C” or above and Biol 105 and Biol 106 with a “C” or above).
• Biology Majors: (BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 with a “C” or above).
• Chemistry Majors: (Chem 201 and Chem 202 with a “C” or above).
• Computer Information Science (CIT or ISYS) Majors: ( IT 210 and IT 214 with a combined GPA of at least 2.5, and MATH 121 or MATH 181 with a "C" or better.
• Construction Management Majors: CM 111 and MATH 112 and 113 OR MATH 115 with a "C" or better).
• Information Systems Majors (ISYS 110 with a "B" or better, ISYS 210 and ISYS 215 with a "C" or better, and MATH 121 or MATH 181 with a "C" or better, and a 2.5 GPA in computer classes).
• Mathematics Majors (Two math courses - MATH 121 or higher - with a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher)
• Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering majors also need to complete a separate application for admission into upper division (300 & 400 level) engineering courses. Contact the department of your major for details.

If I have not completed all the requirements for admission to my major, but want to enroll in upper level classes, what can I do?

You can apply for a provisional or temporary admission.

I could take 300 and 400 level courses last semester, but I can't now. Why?

You probably had temporary or "provisional" admission last semester. Provisional admissions only apply for one semester. If you need another provisional admission, you will need to re-apply. The Advising Center can only grant up to two provisional admissions to major. Department permission is required if additional provisional admission to major is requested.

How do I apply for admission to a major in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology?

You need to complete an Application for Admission form, and you and your faculty advisor must sign it. The applications forms are available in our office or online (broken link). After your application is completed, you will need to bring that form, a copy of your transcript, and a copy of your transfer evaluation (if you are a transfer student) back to our office. This process can take some time, so please plan ahead.

Where do I get a copy of my transcript and/or transfer evaluation?

You can pick up unofficial copies of these records at the HUB in the Centennial Student Union.

How do I find out how my transfer credits apply at Minnesota State University, Mankato?

If you are a first semester student or prospective student you should receive a copy of your transfer evaluation form from the Registrar's Office.

How do I register for more than 18 credits?

An overload form is required. You can pick up this form at our office or at the Office of the Registrar (WA 132), or [PDF] online (11 KiB). The overload must be approved by your faculty advisor and returned to the Advising Center for processing. If you wish to take 22 or more credits, you will also need the approval of the college dean.

How do I apply for graduation?

You must apply for graduation no later than a year in advance.Applications are available [PDF] online (91 KiB), or in the Office of the Registrar (WA 132), or in the Advising Center (TR C125).

How does a pass/no credit grade affect my GPA?

A "P" grade does not affect your GPA and will only count towards your earned credits if a Pass is received. To receive a Pass in a class you must earn the equivalent of a "C" or higher grade.

Which courses may I take on a pass/no credit basis?

Courses taken for P/NC may be applied to major or minor requirements for graduation, but only at departmental discretion. Each student has the responsibility to determine individual departmental policy in this regard. A limited number of P/NC units are accepted to apply toward a major, and no more than 32 credits of the total undergraduate degree requirements may be earned in pas/no credit courses.

How many courses can I take on a pass/no credit basis?

You can take up to 32 credit hours of general education or support classes. This is 25% of the total credit requirements.

How do I appeal a grade?

Grade appeals are reviewed in the instances where students perceive that the final grade is unfair, arbitrary, or capricious. Appeals must be filed with in two weeks* of university notification of a final grade. Students needing assistance in appealing or filing a complaint may contact the Academic Affairs Coordinator of the Student Senate (CSU 280; Phone 398-2611). The complete grade appeals process and forms are available at the Student Senate Office and in the Office of Academic Affairs. The policy is also described in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

*Please Note: The time period consists of normal university operating days when classes are held. Under unusual circumstances, deadlines may be extended.

How do I find out if I'm finished with general education requirements?

Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor in the Student Advising Center.