What the State Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Means for Minnesota West

On May 30, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed House File 100 into law, legalizing the use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis within the state. Possession for adults 21 and older is legal starting August 1, 2023, with limits. With changes in the state law, students, faculty, and staff may be wondering how the new legislation will impact the Minnesota West community.

Will marijuana be permitted on Minnesota West campuses?
The use of recreational or medical marijuana in any form, including edibles and extracts, remains prohibited by Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy 5.18.1.

For Minnesota West, receipt of federal funds in the form of student loans, aid, and grants requires compliance with federal drug laws, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act. Marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, Minnesota West policies prohibit anyone from using, possessing, or distributing marijuana on Minnesota West property or at Minnesota West events, including off-campus events and related travel.


Do College policies prohibiting marijuana use apply to faculty, staff, students, and visitors?

Yes. Minnesota West policies and federal law prohibit anyone from using, possessing, or distributing marijuana on Minnesota West property or at Minnesota West events, including off-campus travel and events. As a recipient of federal funding, Minnesota West is required to take measures to prevent the illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol on campus. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors must abide by Minnesota West Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy 5.18.1.


Can Minnesota West prohibit me from engaging in conduct that is permissible under state law?

Yes. Like alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances that may be permissible under state law, but are restricted by Minnesota West policy, Minnesota West will not permit the use of marijuana on College property or at College-sponsored events. As a higher-education institution, property owner, and recipient of federal funds, Minnesota West has a legal obligation to prohibit marijuana on campus and at events. Students, faculty, and staff who violate policies are subject to disciplinary action.


Can I use medical marijuana on campus?

No. Minnesota West does not allow faculty, staff, students, or visitors to possess marijuana on campus under any circumstances, regardless of medical status.


Minnesota West Policies and Federal and State Laws:

Policy 3.6 Code of Conduct
4.20.1 Alcohol and Other Drug Use
5.18.1 Alcohol or Other Controlled Substances
5.18.2 Use of Tobacco Products

Minnesota State law regarding marijuana use: Chapter 63 Statute
Federal law regarding marijuana use: Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

 

Technology Resources

If there are technology issues, these resources should be able to connect students to services that will help them solve their technology issues.

If the links below do not answer your needs, you can Ask a Question through our Student Support System > 

Information Technology Page >

Student Laptop Checkout >

State and National Resources:
Digital Inclusion / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov)

Emergency Broadband Benefit | Federal Communication Commission (fcc.gov)

Transportation Resources

Minnesota West has collected the transportation resources within each of the Campus locations.

Canby

Prairie Five Rides


Granite Falls

Prairie Five Rides

Jefferson Lines


Jackson

Inter-Campus Shuttle

Community Transit


Luverne

Jefferson Lines

Community Transit

Inter-Campus Shuttle


Marshall

Community Transit

Jefferson Lines 


Pipestone

Pipestone County Transit

Jefferson Lines


Worthington

Prairieland Transit

Inter-Campus Shuttle

Jefferson Lines


Campus Bicycles

Bluejay Bicycles web

Bike Use Agreement & Liability Form


State and National Transportation Resources

Bluejay Days Fall 2023

We will kick-off Fall 2023 with Bluejay Days!  Each Campus will host a week of events beginning August 21, 2023 to welcome our students for Fall Semester.  Please check out the events and join us at your campus location.

Semester Start-up Reminders
Log into e-Services student account at www.mnwest.edu to check the following:

* Review tuition/fees statement and set up method of payment (checking, savings, financial aid, scholarships, etc.)
* Review your DARs (Degree Audit Report) and how to contact your advisor
* Check class schedule for accuracy, times, and location
* Order textbooks online:  book vouchers open August 1
* Log into D2L to review courses (if applicable)
* Review the "How Do I?" resource page for helpful tips and instructions.

Semester Start Q & A Refresh Session (log-in to D2L, student email, eServices, and more):
Wednesday, August 16 @ 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Meeting URL: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/95678579252
Meeting ID: 956 7857 9252

College Knowledge Quiz | Students can win!

Students can complete the online college knowledge survey for a chance to win a prize.

Survey >>  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/338CHQ9


Save all week at the Bluejay’s Nest
Get a 30% Discount on all Minnesota West imprinted items


Canby Campus

Monday, August 21, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Kick-off breakfast in the Student Commons including cinnamon & caramel rolls.
Photo Scavenger Hunt Competition! Prizes for each competitor. College Knowledge Quiz - a winner from each campus.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ice cream Sundae Bar with toppings on the Patio
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Connect with your Classmates!
All Day Student Senate Snack Bar – JOIN STUDENT SENATE- SIGN UP TODAY
Noon Music on the Patio – Bring your own lunch! Duck Hunt begins
Noon – 12:30 p.m. Q & A session: Do you still have questions about financial aid? Email? Anything? Stop in the computer lab (room 108) to get answers.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Party on the Patio * Meet your classmates * Music * Hotdogs & chips * Yard games, Bubble Soccer, Frisbee Golf, Bean Bag Challenge, Ladder Ball, Yard Jenga! Grab your classmates and head out to patio area for some fun!
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Connect with the Community!
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WELCOME BACK BLUEJAY DAY! Meet Canby area businesses!
Free meal: Walking Taco Wednesday!
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Drawings for prizes. Must be present to win.
Thursday, August 24, 2023 
REMINDER: Scavenger Hunt photos are due by noon. Sign up to win some great prizes, grand prize valued at $100.00!


Granite Falls Campus

Monday, August 21, 2023
8:30 a.m Welcome Back Breakfast for all students, staff, and faculty. Free muffins and coffee in the Commons Area.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ice cream treats with faculty by the front entrance.
2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt - Monday through Thursday – Clue sheets are on Mary’s desk in Student Services. There will be a prize for the one that finds the most.
College Knowledge Quiz – Students complete the online college knowledge survey for a chance to win a prize.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Welcome Bluejays Day!
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m Student Senate information table in Commons Area
12:00 p.m. Refresh Session - (D2L Brightspace, eServices, Financial Aid, tutor.com, etc.) in Room 113.
2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt - Monday through Thursday – Clue sheets are on Mary’s desk in Student Services. There will be a prize for the one that finds the most.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free Subway Lunch – Commons Area & Free Goody Bag from Minnesota West
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. BINGO with prizes – Commons Area
12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. After BINGO - Grand prize giveaway – Commons Area
2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt - Monday through Thursday – Clue sheets are on Mary’s desk in Student Services. There will be a prize for the one that finds the most.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt - Monday through Thursday – Clue sheets are on Mary’s desk in Student Services.  There will be a prize for the one that finds the most.  When done return the ducks to Student Services to get in on the count.  A prize will be given to the one that finds the most.

 

Scavenger Hunt Clues

I waddle and I quack. I am a waterfowl. The males are called drakes. The females are called hens. We lay eggs in a nest once a year. It takes up to 28 days for them to hatch. A group of us are called a flock. We are omnivorous (eat both plants and tiny animals such as fish eggs, aquatic plants, small fish, worms and insects). We have three eyelids and can see in color. Some of our species live up to 20 years.

What am I?

Actually, I am a rubber duck. Look high! Look low!! We are everywhere you might go. See how many you can find. There are over 200 of us hidden around the campus.

When you are done looking for the ducks bring them back to Mary in Student Services to get in on the count. There will be a prize for the one that finds the most. Deadline: Thursday – 2:00 p.m.

Good Luck!


Jackson Campus

Monday, August 21, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Donuts and cookies
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Q & A session. Do you still have questions about financial aid? Email? Anything? Stop in the LARC (room Y-121)
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free ice cream treats – provided by Leading Edge Credit Union
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. FREE lunch in the Commons
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Vendor tables in the Commons (discounts, job opportunities, etc.)
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Games in the Commons and by front entrance
Thursday, August 24, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. FREE popcorn in the Commons

Luverne Center

Monday, August 21, 2023
8:00 a.m. Bluejay WELCOME Coffee and breakfast are available from Wildflowers Coffee Boutique Trailer. Sip on your favorite drink and join our morning chat session in the lobby for answers to your questions or concerns for Fall.
Speed Bingo- sign up for prizes (Winners drawn on Monday, August 28) 
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
12:00 p.m. Walking Taco Bar  - free lunch for all students sponsored by Student Senate. 
Enjoy outdoor games and activities. Challenge your classmates to some friendly competitions.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
12:00 p.m. Popcorn Bar with refreshments. Snack on your popcorn and join our chat session in the lobby. 
Thursday, August 24, 2023
8:00 a.m. Donuts and Coffee in the Lobby and a morning chat session to answer any questions or concerns for Fall Semester
Friday, August 25, 2023
Cookies in the student services area.  

 

Bluejay Days Prize Opportunities

Photo Scavenger Hunt - Prizes to the most creative team! Find out more at the Student Service desk.

Email Drawing: Using your STUDENT EMAIL, send your Luverne Center Resource Specialist (jill.arp@mnwest.edu) a message about yourself (example: name & program, why you picked MN West, favorite animal, your favorite foods, or hobbies, etc.). Once your email is received you will be entered in a drawing for prizes! 

Refresh Session - Don’t hesitate to join a chat session or visit with Jill Arp if you are having any trouble accessing D2L, eServices, student email, financial aid, tutor.com, etc.  We want your Fall Semester to be a success!!


Pipestone Campus

Monday, August 21, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Kick-off Breakfast. Breakfast, coffee, and juice to get your semester off to a great start!
Noon – 12:30 p.m. Q & A session: Do you still have questions about financial aid? Email?  Anything?  Stop in the computer lab (room 203) to get answers. You won't leave empty-handed!
Connect with the community by competing in our Photo Scavenger Hunt! Prizes for each participant.
Pick up your College Knowledge Quiz, Scavenger Hunt details, and more at the information table located at the front entrance.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Yard games. Bubble Soccer, Frisbee Golf, Bean Bag Challenge, Ladder Ball, Yard Jenga. Grab your classmates and head out to the front lawn for some fun!
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Root Beer Floats!
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Walking Taco Wednesday!
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Drawings for prizes. Must be present to win. 
Thursday, August 24, 2023 
REMINDER: Scavenger Hunt photos are due by noon. 
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pick up a Puppy Chow

Worthington Campus

Monday, August 21, 2023
Stop at the Welcome table in the Student Service area for information and treats/t shirts!
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Celebrate Us Event: Local Businesses Info Booths located in the Health & Wellness Building. SW Crisis Center facilitating "In Their Shoes" program in the Gym at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Visit a few business booths and receive a meal ticket for a local food truck!
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Jimmy Johns Lunch provided. Located at Student Services.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Grocery Bingo!  Root Beer floats are provided in the Student Commons.