SUPPORT SYSTEMS

CENTER FOR CIVIC & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BA 161 / 507-537-6423 www.smsu.edu/go/civic

The Center for Civic and Community Engagement is a starting point for learning more about ways in which you can connect with the community and help address area needs through volunteering, service-learning, social entrepreneurship, or communitybased research. The Center encourages students to use the MustangsVolunteer platform (powered by Handshake) www. smsu.edu/volunteer to connect with service agencies to meet a variety of needs in our local communities. The Center is also home to Mustang Market, a free food and resource pantry for students

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (CIE)

SC 237 / 507-537-6018 www.smsu.edu/go/international

CIE is the primary contact for all international students from the time they apply to the time they graduate. The office helps international students adjust to the U.S. culture, advise on the international student visa status, and support students to accomplish their academic and career goals. CIE is also where you can learn more about studying abroad in a different country. Visit us to learn how you can study abroad today

Mustang Market

BA 161 / 507-537-6492 www.smsu.edu/go/mustangmarket

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep and nutrition. If you have difficulty affording groceries or personal hygiene products, the Mustang Market is here to support you. Mustang Market is SMSU’s permanent food and resource pantry. The Mustang Market is open once a month and by appointment. All food and hygiene products dispensed to students is free and meant to supplement limited food budgets. The Mustang Market is located in Bellows Academic 161. Contact Accessibility Services for questions or additional information.

Accessibility Services

IL 220 / 507-537-7318 www.smsu.edu/accessibility

Accessibility Services coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities and serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and the University community in an effort to assure equal access to learning for all. Students with a documented disability enrolled in Southwest Minnesota State University are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services anytime throughout the school year or summer to establish appropriate accommodations and create a plan for success.

• Accommodations are available for all classes; including on-line courses.

• Accessibility Services supports students who may have an undiagnosed disability and are in need of support, referral or resources.

• All documentation and information pertaining to the student is confidential.

LGBTQ+ CENTER

CH 121 / 507-537-6294 www.smsu.edu/go/LGBTQ

Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community can sometimes feel a little lonely in a rural area. But the LGBTQ+ Center is a place where all students who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can come together to find safety and support. The LGBTQ+ Center focuses on proactive and reactive efforts on campus. Proactive efforts involve partnering with student groups and community organizations to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ issues. Reactive measures involve offering options if you experience discrimination based on LGBTQ+ status. If you are facing an issue related to your LGBTQ+ identity, such as verbal abuse or hate crimes, come find out options at the LGBTQ+ Center. The LGBTQ+ Center (located in a shared space with the Women’s Center) includes a social area, resources to learn more about LGBTQ+ struggles, available condoms through local partnerships, and a sensory-friendly space to center yourself.

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Commons East / 507-537-6169 www.smsu.edu/go/diversity

The mission of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is to provide an inclusive, quality and comprehensive educational experience for students from all religions, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientation and countries. We will engage the campus and surrounding communities to promote and advocate for Diversity and Multiculturalism.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will work with all SMSU constituents to help ensure a quality university education for all students - one that encourages a diverse and multicultural educational experience. A special emphasis will be directed toward recruiting and retaining American students of color and international students.

Technology Resource Center

McFarland Library / 507-537-6111 www.smsu.edu/go/itservices

The Technology Resource Center provides free services such as wireless and wired network configuration, software installation, virus removal, operating system maintenance and limited hardware support. Information regarding software package benefits for students can also be obtained there.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION

CH 121 / 507-537-6345 www.smsu.edu/go/ntso

NTSO is an organization that helps nontraditional students achieve their personal and professional goals. Membership is free, and students have the opportunity to draw motivational support from meeting others who may share challenges such as balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.

The NTSO clubroom has a study area with computers, comfortable seating, and a kitchenette. Members who choose to do so can participate in club activities, such as Tree of Hope, Out of the Darkness Walk, Relay for Life, Fresh Check Day, etc. NTSO can also refer members with financial and other needs to campus support services.

Veterans Resource Center

BA 140 & 141 / 507-537-7213 or 507-401-0104 www.smsu.edu/go/veterans

The Veterans Resource Center is available to provide assistance to veterans and their family members on education benefits, VA programs, tricare insurance, and military academic success while pursuing their college career and employment needs.

STUDENT-ATHLETE ACADEMIC RESOURCES

FH 321 / 507-537-7133 www.smsumustangs.com/compliance

The Student-Athlete Academic Resources program provides for a quality studentathlete experience within the context of higher education and promotes studentathletes ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities. The program also promotes respect for diversity and inclusion among student-athletes, assists in identifying and applying transferable skills to foster an environment that encourages studentathletes to effectively access campus resources and encourage the development of character, integrity and leadership skills.

BIAS INCIDENT SUPPORT & ADVISORY TEAM (BISA)

FH 214 / 507-537-6246 www.smsu.edu/go/bisa

Southwest Minnesota State University aspires to create an environment that is inclusive and safe for all members of the community. Bias incidents undermine our campus’ efforts toward equity and inclusion. They limit our community’s ability to excel in our teaching and learning and in our service to our communities and state. They also impede free and open discourse and our ability to know and learn from one another. Biases and hateful expressions cause harm and fracture our communities. SMSU is committed to providing a safe, positive, open, and affirming environment where all can feel welcome and safe to learn and to work free from bias incidents and hate crimes. The SMSU Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) team assists in achieving this goal. The BISA team includes representation from various campus leaders and stakeholders who work together to create a campus community that is inclusive of all its members. The team reviews reports of bias, provides guidance regarding responses to such incidents and support for those most affected, and provides leadership for campus education and prevention.