This is your MAVERICK INSIDER!
Your Official Weekly E-Newsletter
Take our POLL. Scroll through WHAT'S INSIDE. Find the news you want. We want to hear your feedback, poll or story ideas and suggestions. Please send them to csuinfo@mnsu.edu
|
|
|
|
THIS WEEK'S STUDENT SUCCESS TIP
|
|
|
|
A Maverick Reminder! Statistics are clear. Students who are actively involved in some aspect of campus life outside of your academic pursuits, increase their percentages for success. It’s never too late to join a RSO, an intramural team, RHA, Student Government, or Community Engagement activities.
|
|
|
|
This Week's Poll: It's officially fall! What's your favorite fall activity?
|
RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL
What's playing in your earbuds while studying?
|
Other came in as the number one pick with 31.25% of students. Coming in second was High-Energy Pop, Hip-Hop, or EDM at 25% of students. In third, with 15.62%, was absolute silence.
Many Mavericks shared what they listen to in the comment box. Some shared playlists while others shared they listen to TV shows. One unique Maverick shared that they listen to "Tiktok edits over and over-ultimate hype songs."
|
|
|
|
MEET THE CANDIDATES AND VOTE
|
|
|
|
Homecoming week is almost here! Make sure to vote for Homecoming Royalty. Voting will open Monday, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m. and closes Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Homecoming Royalty Coronation will be held during the Homecoming Lip Sync Competition from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Bresnan Arena. Check out more information about your Homecoming Royalty on the CSU Blog!
|
ACCEPTED INTO ESPORTS COLLEGIATE
|
Maverick Esports team begins an exciting new chapter after being accepted into Esports Collegiate (ESC), placing them in a league alongside programs with NCAA Division I athletics. Learn more about Maverick Esports in the CSU Blog.
|
|
|
|
CHECK OUT THE MSU HOMECOMING EVENTS SCHEDULE
|
MSU's 2026 Homecoming is quickly approaching. Starting Monday, Sept. 28, you can expect an array of events throughout the week. New, returning and alumni Mavericks are encouraged to show their Maverick spirit by attending Homecoming events. Check out the Homecoming schedule and events on the CSU blog!
|
|
|
|
HOMECOMING KICKOFF FEATURES FRANKIE TORRES
|
Getting a four-chair turn on ABC’s hit talent series, The Voice, is no easy accomplishment. But Frankie Torres’ vocals made all of them sit up and punch their red buttons. That voice will help kickoff Homecoming Week on Monday, Sept. 28, as the CSU Serendipity Music Series continues this year’s Best of Serendipity lineup. Frankie and her band, Midnight Ramblers, will perform on the Campus Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain site is the CSU Hearth Lounge. Performing since she was 8, Frankie has played at such major venues as Red Rock and Lollapalooza. She is also the official National Anthem singer for the MN Frost.
|
|
|
|
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
|
JOIN MAVATHON IN SAVING LIVES ON SEPT. 30
|
Donate blood and have a lifesaving impact at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the CSU Ballroom. Mavathon and the FSL Community partner to host this event.
Mavathon is a year-long fundraising effort that brings together RSOs to raise money for a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Sign up your RSO on our website and create a year-long fundraising goal!
|
|
|
|
HEAR HER STORY OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE OCT. 1
|
Minnesota State Mankato’s Office of Alumni Relations is hosting “An Evening with Patty Wetterling ’71: A Conversation on Hope and Resilience” on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Ostrander Auditorium. in 1989, Patty Wetterling’s 11-year-old son, Jacob, was abducted near their home in St. Joseph, Minn. It wasn't until 2016 that Danny James Heinrich confessed to abducting and murdering Jacob. In her memoir, Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope, Patty reflects on the investigation, her family’s experience, and the lessons she learned about resilience, purpose, and healing. Attend for a thoughtful conversation about her time at Minnesota State Mankato, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
|
|
|
|
INTRODUCING LUCY BIVINS-ZHENG
|
EMPOWERING CAMPUS LIFE THROUGH SERVANT LEADERSHIP
|
Joining the Student Activities team this summer as assistant director of campus programming, Lucy Bivins-Zheng has aided the Student Events Team in a flurry of fall activities leading up to Homecoming Week and its festival of traditions. Tapping into her own college experience that took her from introvert to leader, she seeks to empower students to discover their own strengths. Meanwhile, the shocked emoji is her Emoji of the Year (see her Lightning Round answers at the end of her CSU Blog feature story).
|
|
|
|
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF MSU'S AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS
|
This year, Andrae Rahming became the new interim director of MSU's African American Affairs. Although new to his position, Andrae, an MSU alum, is a familiar face who worked with Campus Rec and, most recently, as the MavCARD Coordinator. As AAA director, his goals are to continue meeting new students and creating safe spaces for them. Andrae hopes students will come to him for empowerment and guidance. Andrae's office is located in CSU 269 in the Multicultural Center, and he is excited and grateful to be a part of this office and its impact on students and the MSU campus.
|
|
|
|
Pratik Mandal is a recipient of the Fall 2026 Best Board. As a CSU building manager, he guided and mentored fellow student staff assisting in the operation of the student union. He demonstrates Best Board qualities by being a positive influence and role model for CSU workers and students.
|
|
|
|
DONATE HIGH DEMAND ITEMS THIS OCTOBER
|
Socktober at MSU is a campus‑wide drive throughout October. Organized by the student group Mavs in Action to collect brand‑new socks and underwear for local emergency shelters and at‑risk communities. Thirteen boxes remain for a department or office to claim. The team(s) who collect the most get to accompany Mavs in Action as they make their donations to these local lifesaving organizations. This lets you see the direct impact of your work and showcases the incredible efforts of these local organizations. Please contact Crystal Watts at with questions.
|
|
|
|
SHOW RECOGNITION AND REMEMBERANCE SEPT. 30
|
MSU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is showing support for Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, Sept. 30. A display around the CSU Fountain will provide information about this important day of recognition and remembrance. Show your support by wearing orange throughout the day on Sept. 30.
|
|
|
|
CALLING ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
|
TAKE PART IN THE CAREER CONVENTION SEPT. 29
|
International Student Association (ISA) is hosting a career convention for students on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Ostrander Auditorium. The convention features community, learning opportunities, and keynote speaker, Andrae Rahming Jr., new director of African American Affairs.
|
|
|
|
WITH LEADERSHIP LIVE'S INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
|
The popular Leadership Live series continues this fall with its third weekly workshop on Monday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 6 p.m. in CSU 245. This week will explore Who Influences You and Why? Every decision you make is shaped by the people, values, and environments around you. Explore how mentors, peers, family, and social influences affect your choices, leadership style, and personal growth while developing greater self-awareness.
|
|
|
|
GET STARTED ON YOUR APPLICATION TODAY
|
It’s that time of year to apply for the FAFSA again. Students who use FAFSA can now complete the form for the 2027-28 school year. If you have questions or concerns about the FAFSA process, the Financial Aid Office is available to help. Location: 117 Centennial Student Union. Phone: 507-389-1866 or 1-800-722-0544.
|
|
|
|
REGISTRATION FOR MSU FAMILY WEEKEND
|
FRIDAY, OCT. 23 TO SUNDAY, OCT. 25
|
Registration for MSU Family Weekend 2026 is now open! Come and enjoy the weekend with your Maverick from Friday, Oct. 23, to Sunday, Oct. 25. Throughout the weekend, there will be events planned for Mavericks of all ages. Each year, Family Weekend provides an opportunity for families to learn more about their students' experiences at MSU.
|
|
|
|
TICK TOCK...IS YOUR RSO REGISTERED?
|
FAILURE TO REGISTER RSO MEANS LOSS OF FUNDING, BENEFITS
|
If you haven't already registered your RSO, your time is quickly running out! Existing Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) must complete annual registration by Wednesday, Sept. 30 to maintain their status and continue receiving campus benefits. Organizations that fail to register by the deadline will lose RSO privileges for the 2026-27 academic year, including eligibility for Student Government travel funding, free reservations for campus meeting spaces, free tabling opportunities, access to RSO email and mailbox services, and use of the RSO Clubhouse.
Newly formed organizations have until April 2027 to complete the registration process.
RSO officers and advisors have already been notified of the deadline. Registration can be completed through MavLife. Don't allow your RSO to lose its benefits.
|
|
|
|
THIS WEEK'S POSTER PARADE
|
The weekly Poster Parade provides a video overview of bulletin board posters promoting upcoming campus events and programs.
|
RUNDOWN OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
|
If you haven't already, download the MavLife app, the University's official student app. Or bookmark the MavLife website. Both offer access to everything from Bus Tracker to D2L. MavLife Events Calendar is a comprehensive list of upcoming student events, activities, and programs.
|
|
|
|
BEHIND THE SCENES MAGIC BROUGHT TO YOU BY
|
- Editor-in-Chief: Lenny Koupal, CSU Communications Coordinator
- Managing Editor: Joslyn Borchardt, CSU Communications Graduate Assistant
- Writers: Meredith Robb, Milly Geske Gould
- Photographer: Sujal Shakya
- Graphic Designers: Anton Domeier, Ruby Mussman
|
|
|
|
A member of the Minnesota State system and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling Accessibility Resources at 507-389-2825, (V) 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).
Produced by the Centennial Student Union for the Office of Student Affairs | 507-389-6744 | csuinfo@mnsu.edu
GOT NEWS TO SHARE? Send story ideas or comments to leonard.koupal@mnsu.edu with the subject line "MAVERICK INSIDER"
|
|
|
|
|
