MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO (MNSU)
ONLINE LEARNING POLICIES
SAVANNAH FAHLSTROM & LORALIE ELLINGSON
MISSION
Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) Vision, Values, & Mission is applicable to all faculty and students at
MNSU. Reading these policies sets the tone and expectations for all who enter through the online doors and
campus site doors. The policies can be found at: http://www.mnsu.edu/president/vision.html
ONLINE LEARNING DEFINED
Online learning replaces regular classroom learning with web-based technology. All required activities take place
in an online environment. The educational content presented in an online course does not differ from traditional
classroom content; only the method of delivery is different. Online courses have the same credit value as in
person classroom learning.
ONLINE LEARNING CONSIDERED
While online learning may seem as though it is a luxury that awards one with more freedom and flexibility than
campus-based courses, it is important to consider the independent, self-motivated nature required due to the
web-based medium ‘that classes and knowledge are transmitted through.
Generally speaking, online learning proves to be a rewarding experience for many students. However, it is
important to consider technological aptitude, learning style, electronic devices needed etc. before assuming that
asynchronous learning is the right learning environment for you.
Some students have expressed discomfort with online learning because interaction with peers and instructors is
solely virtual; face-to-face interaction during campus-based lectures has proven to be more suitable for some
because it provides them with the structure they need to keep on track.
As an online learner, you dictate the pace of your own progress with coursework. Online learning requires a
certain kind of self-discipline in order to keep up with the class schedule and meet deadlines.
COMPUTER LITERACY
In order to be successful as a student enrolled in an accredited online degree program, a general working
knowledge of technology, computers, and the internet is essential.
The following information is a list of technological subject matter that a student should have a general
understanding of and exposure to before enrolling in an online degree program.
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Basic software application navigational skills
Word processing applications such as Microsoft Word
Keyboard commands
Knowledge of operating systems
Basic knowledge of different file types
How to convert files from one type to another
Typing speed of at least 36 WPM or more
Awareness of adware/malware and how to implement virus protection
How to download and use communicative software technology
Basic understanding of social media
Demonstrated skill in connecting, accessing and using browsers
Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive
attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) provides a collaborative learning environment with small student to
faculty ratios. Online classes offer more flexibility than traditional classrooms, however, students must be focused
and able to prioritize their schedule on their own.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Actively engage in classroom discussions and assignments.
Participate consistently and respectfully with fellow students and faculty.
Provide constructive feedback to fellow students and faculty.
Work collaboratively with class teams in the learning process.
Communicate respectfully to fellow students and faculty, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, or religious, moral, or political beliefs.
o Maintain the highest ethical standards in the preparation and submission of assignments.
o Be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
o Ask questions and speak up.
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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Online courses at MSU are accessed through Desire2Learn, or “D2L”. Before logging in to D2l, ensure your operating
system and software requirements meet the minimum requirements listed below.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
COMPONENTS
APPLE USER
Office Suites
Operating System—OS X (1.0x)
PC USER
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Office Suites
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Internet
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Browser
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Browser Plug-ins
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Email
Multimedia
(if used in course)
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Internet Speed
Microsoft Office: Office 2004 or later with
Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Apache OpenOffice
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Operating System—Minimum of
Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
PC & APPLE USERS BOTH NEED:
REQUIREMENTS

Microsoft Office 97, 2000, XP, 2003, 2007, or
later
Apache OpenOffice
Internet connection via Internet Service
Provider (Comcast, Quest etc.)
56 kbps modem, DSL or Cable access
Internet Explorer 7.x or higher
Mozilla Firefox 3.x or higher
Safari 4.x or higher
Java
Adobe Acrobat
Real One Player
Flash Player
Must have ability to check email
Monitor capable of 1024 X 768 resolution
Sound Card and speakers/headphones
CD drive, DVD Drive, or CD-RW drive
5 meg down / 2 meg up
BROWSER REQUIREMENTS
In order to access content as it should be displayed through the MNSU homepage, D2l etc., the following
browsers are recommended:
BROWSER TYPE
WINDOWS
MAC OS
LINUX
Google Chrome
X
Internet Explorer 7.x +
X
Mozilla Firefox 3.x +
X
X
X
Safari 4.x +
X
X
ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS AND PLAYERS
Before enrolling in a web-based course through offered through MSU, it will be necessary to download the
following software applications and players appropriate for your operating system:
o Mozilla Firefox
o Adobe® Reader® (pdf files)
o Macromedia Flash Player
o Shockwave Player
o PowerPoint Viewer 2003 - If you do not own the PowerPoint program, this viewer will let you view full-featured
presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions.
o Excel Viewer 2003 - Open, view, and print Excel workbooks, even if you don't have Excel installed.
o Word Viewer 2003 - View, print, and copy Word documents, even if you don't have Word installed.
o Visio 2003 Viewer
o Visio 2002 Viewer
o Works 6.0 Converter for Works and Word Users - The Works 6.0 Converter allows you to convert word
processor documents created in Microsoft Works 6.0 to Microsoft Word and other Works programs. Specifically,
this converter works with Works 2000, 4.5, and 4.x, and Word 2002, 2000, and 97.
o Windows Media ( players, encoders and codes)
o RealPlayer 10
o QuickTime Player
ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING & CONDUCT
Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) has a zero tolerance policy towards certain negative behaviors
exhibited in an asynchronous learning environment. These include:
o Actions, verbal statements which threaten or violate the personal safety of any faculty, staff, or student
will not be tolerated.
o Academic dishonesty will not be condoned in any classroom at Minnesota State University. Engaging in
academically dishonest behavior will be automatic grounds for professors to give the student a failing
grade in their course.
o It is important for students to be conscious of their conduct when communicating through text in an
online environment. Students should refrain from using the caps lock when they type during lecture, as
some consider typing in all capital letters to mean “yelling”.
REGISTRATION EXPLAINED
Registration for online courses is done via the MnSCU secure web system. Students will need their tech ID and a
PIN or tech ID password. The Registration page, “http://www.mnsu.edu/registrar/registration.html” provides links
to course offerings, registration windows and calendars, financial information, and much more.
Questions regarding registration should be directed to The Registration Help Center, Room WA 132.
Registrar Contact Information:
Mailing address:
Office of the Registrar
Minnesota State University, Mankato
132 Wigley Administration Building
Mankato, MN 56001
Tel.: 1-507-389-6266 (V), 1-800-722-0544 (V)
Fax: 1-507-389-5719
Email: registrars-office@mnsu.edu
FINANCIAL AID 101
The first step in applying for financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Be aware of copy-cat FAFSA web-sites, such as FAFsa.com or fafsastudentaid.com.
The official FAFSA website is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing address:
Student Financial Services
Minnesota State University, Mankato
120 Wigley Administration Building
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 1-507-389-1866 (V)
1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY) or 711 (MRS/TTY)
Fax: 1-507-389-6410
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructors design their courses with the online learner in mind. Content covered in online courses is the same as
the content in traditional face-to-face classroom. The courses are structured so as to be compatible across
multiple systems. Courses and content are easily navigated and accessible. Instructors provide a syllabus and
required materials list a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the start of the semester. This allows the student time to
search, find, and purchase their books and materials.
BOOKSTORE
Barnes & Noble Bookstore is the campus bookstore and offers supplies, books, and apparel. Books can be
ordered online, on campus, or by phone. The staff are always willing to provide assistance. For the student who
prefers alternate choices, many used textbooks can be found online, i.e. Amazon, and may also be available for
rent as an eBook.
FACULTY SUPPORT
Faculty support is available for questions regarding course studies, advising, and academic support.
NAME
OFFICE, TELEPHONE , E-MAIL
TEACHING AND RESEARCH SPECIALTIES
Cashin,
Melanie
AH 218F
507-389-2117
melanie.cashin@mnsu.edu
Technical communication
Chapman,
David
AH 207I
507-389-1035
david.chapman@mnsu.edu
Environmental writing and technical
communication
MacKenzie, AH 229C
Nancy
507-389-5505
program
nancy.mackenzie@mnsu.edu
director
Technical and scientific literature, rhetorical theory,
visual communication for technical communicators,
health-related technical communication, and risk
communication
Nord,
Roland
AH 229E
507-389-5402
roland.nord@mnsu.edu
Computer-assisted writing and publishing,
technical editing, document design, usability,
documentation
Perbix,
Gretchen
AH 201N
507-389-5506
gretchen.perbix@mnsu.edu
Rhetorical theory, document design and usability,
project management
Tesdell,
Lee
AH 229D
507-389-5219
lee.tesdell@mnsu.edu
International technical communication, online help
systems, collaboration and teamwork, writing for
the WWW
Veltsos,
Jennifer
AH 201M
507-389-5507
jennifer.veltsos@mnsu.edu
Business communication, visual communication,
research methods
Westerman, AH 301A
Gwen
507-389-5508
gwen.westerman@mnsu.edu
Visual rhetoric, document design, business and
technical communication
INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Information & Technology Services offers a robust, user-friendly, self-service website. Visit the website at:
http://www.mnsu.edu/its/ to learn more and take advantage of their many services.
CONTACT
First point of contact: Campus Hub
Phone: 800-722-0544 or 507-389-1866
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 58001