Title

PSEO Expectations and Key Information

Body

M State offers answers and guidance to PSEO students with clear communication about meeting expectations and staying informed.

Your first priority: high school graduation

As a PSEO student, your top priority is completing your high school graduation requirements.

Because M State does not track or verify these requirements:

  • Meet regularly with your high school counselor or principal to confirm your college courses meet graduation standards.
  • If you want to change classes, contact your M State PSEO advisor first to confirm eligibility.

Course availability and eligibility

  • PSEO students register on a first‑come, first‑served basis, just like all M State students.
  • Some programs and classes are not open to PSEO students.
  • Work closely with your PSEO advisor when planning courses.

What to expect from college courses

College courses differ significantly from high school:

  • Most learning happens outside of class time.
  • Expect two to four hours of homework per credit each week.
  • The syllabus outlines required work and deadlines - instructors rarely offer extensions or reminders.
  • Choose courses wisely; the State of Minnesota funds eligible PSEO courses and expects successful completion.
  • Attendance is critical. College instructors do not excuse absences for vacations or non‑emergency reasons. If you must miss class, contact your instructor and obtain notes from a classmate.

Add, drop, and withdraw deadlines

  • First three days of the semester: All students may add courses.
  • First two weeks: Only PSEO students may drop courses.
  • Mid‑semester classes: Add/drop ends one business day after the first-class meeting.

Before dropping a course, meet with both your M State advisor and high school counselor.

Withdrawals

  • After the drop period, you may withdraw and receive a W on your transcript.
  • Improper withdrawal will likely result in a failing grade, impacting both your high school and college GPAs.
  • Check your eServices schedule or the academic calendar for withdrawal deadlines.

Tuition, fees and textbooks

  • PSEO students do not pay for fall or spring tuition.
  • Summer courses are not covered - students pay full tuition and fees.

Textbooks

  • On‑campus classes: Pick up books at the campus bookstore with your M State ID and schedule.
  • Online classes: Order textbooks through the online bookstore in SpartanNet.
    • Choose “Financial Aid/Agency/PSEO” during checkout.
    • Order three weeks before the semester begins.
  • You’ll receive mailed instructions for returning books. Failure to return items results in charges.

Academic expectations and progress

  • Your PSEO grades become part of your permanent college record.
  • Reach out immediately if you experience academic difficulties.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To maintain good standing, students must:

  • Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and
  • Complete 66.66% of attempted credits (withdrawals, incompletes, and failing grades count as unsuccessful).

Students under 24 credits may have modified SAP rules. Contact your advisor if you’re concerned about your academic progress.

Required paperwork

Each semester, bring a completed Minnesota Department of Education PSEO form to your M State advising appointment. You can find the form at minnesota.edu/forms -- PSEO Forms. This form verifies your graduation planning and ensures tuition and book funding.

Scheduling and time management

Plan carefully:

  • College course start/end dates often differ from high school calendars.
  • Check your class schedule and the academic calendar for correct dates.
  • Avoid enrolling in courses if you anticipate schedule conflicts - instructors expect attendance, on‑time exams, and timely assignments.

Email

Email is the official communication method at M State. Check your student email daily for important messages and required actions. You’ll receive your M State email account after registering for classes.

Privacy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

  • PSEO students are protected under FERPA and considered “eligible college students.”
  • M State cannot release your information to anyone except you, unless a Release of Information is on file.
  • Forms are available at minnesota.edu/forms -- Student Records -- Release of Information

High school counselors

High school counselors/principals are considered extensions of college staff. If no FERPA release is on file, parents may contact your counselor, who can then speak with the college.