Frequently Asked Questions | Spring Forward

You will need access to good and consistent internet connectivity.  In addition, you’ll need a computer with a video camera, microphone, and decent processing power.  If you have challenges securing good and reliable technology, please advise the Spring Forward Success Advisor at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to assist you.

You’ll also need to be able to access and regularly use the D2L Bright Space Learning Management platform and WebEx.  If you are not familiar with either of these platforms, just let the Spring Forward Success Advisor know and they will arrange a tutoring session with your CATalyst peer mentor!

In addition to technology, you’ll also need to ensure you have a good learning environment.  A quiet place to focus and interact with your classmates and instructor, a desk, good lighting, ability to charge your computer while learning, etc. 

We’ll provide you with more insights on the technology, learning environment, and other essentials to support your learning during the Spring Forward Orientation.

As a Spring Forward student, you will complete a full-semester of coursework in 10 weeks.  Our counsel to you is to make sure you can manage the compressed load with excellent time management practices.   

You will develop a time management plan with your CATalyst mentor, please make sure you adhere to this plan to generate the best course outcomes possible. Afterall, we want to you Spring Forward with your higher education plans.

Yes, we are hosting the Spring Forward Orientation for your benefit.  Active participation in orientation will be critical for your success during the compressed term of learning. Spring Forward students will have two options for their orientation experience.  The first will include a 90-minute orientation where we provide you with the program plan and answer any questions you might have regarding financial aid, paying your bill, and ensuring you have proper course materials.

The second will include important learning strategies information.  

Here is the bottom line for us, we want to you be successful during Spring Forward, why wouldn’t you spend the time learning and developing the strategies that will make this 10-week experience engaging?

Feel free to ask questions of the Spring Forward Success Advisor or Academic Advisor to make the best decision for you!

Yes, as a fee-paying student you will have access to services. You will be assigned a student CATaylst mentor. Your peer mentor will help guide your experiences and the services available to you. Please take the time to meet with your peer mentor so they can help support your success by connecting you to the many services available at MSU.

We highly recommend using the Math Learning Center, the Writing Center, MSU Smarty Cats Tutoring, and other experiences to support your student development, learning and engagement.

If you are taking 6 credits or more, you may opt in to the student insurance. Email your Spring Forward Success Advisor at [email protected] for assistance with opting into MSU Student Health Insurance or call the health insurance office at (406) 994-3199.

If you are taking less than 6 credits, you may be eligible for coverage depending on your enrollment circumstances. For more information, email your Spring Forward Success Advisor at [email protected] or call the health insurance office at (406) 994-3199.

Yes, previously awarded financial aid is still available and subject to regular eligibility rules and enrollment standards. This includes MSU merit-based scholarships (i.e.Achievement, Distinction, Premier and WUE). Speak to a financial aid counselor to review your aid package and enrollment plans. If you haven’t applied yet for financial aid, it is not too late. See http://www.montana.edu/financialaid/ for more information.

MSU merit-based scholarships (i.e. Achievement, Distinction, Premier, and WUE) along with other MSU Departmental awards and tuition waivers are available and subject to original award criteria. For example, if the criteria for your award required full-time enrollment or minimum grade point average, those standards will still be evaluated for disbursement. External scholarships will be subject to donor requirements.

Follow this link for instructions.

http://www.montana.edu/admissions/myinfo.html

No. There is no need to change your major to participate in the Spring Forward. You will, however, be temporarily assigned to a Spring Forward Academic Advisor, Jacqueline McDonald. Ms. McDonald will help you enroll in your courses and is available to answer any questions you may have regarding how these courses fulfill CORE and degree requirements. Ms. McDonald can be reached by calling the Academic Advising Center at 406-994-3532, or by emailing [email protected].

No, you do not have to take a full load – you can take the number of classes that fits best with your schedule and your life.  Visit with the Spring Forward Academic Advisor to discuss course demands and expectations to best gauge the right number of credits for you to take during this compressed 10-week session.  Keep in mind, enrollment status (full-time/part-time, etc.) will impact your financial aid award. Ms. McDonald can be reached by calling the Academic Advising Center at 406-994-3532, or by emailing [email protected].

Yes.  Wheter your class is offered in person or online, you will need to attend class at the specified day and time.

Each of your 3-credit courses will take about 9 hours of work per week. Some courses may take more time, especially if you are new to reading and writing intensive coursework.

So, if you take 7 credits, which is the maximum amount you can take this semester, you should expect to spend about 20-25 hours a week on coursework.

Prior to registering, you can view your course days and times on the Spring Forward webpage.

Once you are registered, log into MyInfo to see your completed schedule by day and time, using the “Student Schedule by Day and Time” link from the “Registration” page on the “Student Services” tab.

Montana State University classes use Brightspace D2L, a platform designed for schools and universities. You will log in to D2L to see your class syllabus and schedule, engage in discussions, and turn in your homework.

The courses included in Spring Forward are taught by experienced instructors. The content of each course does not differ from the 15-week standard semester. 

The pace of learning will be different than the classic 15-week semester, excellent time management will be critical to your success in this 10-week learning environment.

Please be sure to actively participate in the Spring Forward Orientation to learn more about how to manage your time and find FLOW with your learning during the pandemic. Additionally, meet with your assigned CATalyst mentor to develop a personalized time management plan.

University Information Technology can help with many technology troubles.

There are many resources to guide you through technology issues through the MSU Website, including

The Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success’ Bobcat Tech Hub 

Just let your Spring Forward Success Advisor know if you need help with technology, email us at [email protected] and we’ll work to support any challenges or questions you might have.