Current Students - Online Course Resources
Login Information
It is imperative that students are able to log-in to myGate, as it allows you to pay bills; add/drop courses; print class schedules; and check your final grades. Click on Quicklinks and then myGate at the top of the page. You can also go to our student website, RacerNet, to gain access to the system. Call the Service Desk at 270.809.2346 if you still cannot log-in after viewing the myGate Knowledge Base.
get started with your RacerMail account
For more information about your account call the Service Desk at 270.809.2346. Your instructor will communicate with you through your RacerMail e-mail account. Check your e-mail often or forward it to an account you check regularly.
Call the Service Desk at 270.809.2346. They will be able to assist you with passwords and log-in issues. An online Service Catalog also contains a database of frequently asked questions.
Canvas is the learning management system used to deliver online courses. As with all systems, you can find a link to Canvas on RacerNet.
Here are a few helpful websites that will give you more information about Canvas:
- Canvas student orientation (you must be a Murray State student to enroll in this course)
- Canvas student guide
If you need assistance, e-mail msu.canvas@murraystate.edu or call the Service Desk at 270.809.2346.
Registering for classes
You must speak with your advisor before you are able register for classes. If you were just admitted, your advisor's contact information will be in your admission letter. You can also view your advisor's name and contact information on myGate on the Academics tab.
Log-in to myGate and go to the Academics tab to register for your classes. Under "Registration Tools" you will find an option to Add or Drop Individual Classes. (View a video tutorial for assistance with registering step-by-step.) For more information about registering for classes, visit the Registration website or Academic Advising.
To view your Registration window, visit the Office of the Registrar's website. Pay close attention to the academic calendar to avoid late registration charges. You can also find payment deadlines and purge dates on the academic calendar.
To drop a course, go to myGate's Academics tab. Under Registration Tools, click on Add or Drop Individual Classes or Withdraw from All Classes. Pay special attention to refund deadlines and the academic calendar. More information can be found on the Registration website.
Before your class begins
Do not expect to have full access to your course content until the first day of classes. Each instructor will make their course available at a different time. If you do not see your course listed on the first day of class, contact the professor directly and check your schedule on myGate to ensure that you are registered for the course. Some instructors will make information about their course available on our website prior to opening it on Canvas. In the left side bar of this website, click on the semester in which you will be taking your course to view pre-course information.
All texts and instructional materials are furnished by the student. To view the textbooks needed for each course, visit the University Store’s website. Most texts may be purchased directly from the publishing companies or the Murray State University Store. Used and rentable books are sometimes available at the Murray State Store. You are encouraged to call them at 270.809.4388 or 800.749.8580, or go to their website. Phone and online orders may be paid for with a credit card and books will be shipped directly to you.
At a minimum, you must have a computer with reliable internet access and a current browser. Most instructors require Microsoft Word. (Download a free copy of Microsoft Office with a valid Murray State e-mail address.) Other courses may require additional software and/or hardware. To view a list of technical requirements, visit the Knowledge Base.
As an online student, you may be required to purchase a webcam, microphone, or other hardware. Some courses require that you participate in virtual discussions where your face and voice may be shared with others. As part of online proctored exams, you may have to record your desktop and surroundings during testing. Learning activities may include the use of social media platforms. Please contact the instructor before class if you have any questions or privacy concerns.
If you have not bought a parking permit, you will need to visit the Police Department in order to receive a visitor parking pass. Contact the police at 270.809.4812 or e-mail them at msu.publicsafety@murraystate.edu for more information. You may also request a RacerCard ID in the Curris Center. This ID can be used at the University Library, Wellness Center and for discounts at local business.
View the Support Site to view detailed information on dropping and adding courses. If you need to drop your online course, you may still have to pay for a portion of the course. Refer to the refund table for more information.
Online student resources
Learn more information about Student Affairs and the services they offer
Career Services
Career Services provides career development and job coaching services to all Murray State students and alumni. Services include career assessment, major/career exploration counseling and coaching, resume and cover letter writing instruction, mock interviews, job search, network strategies and graduate school exploration resources.
Counseling Center
Our students are welcome to come to the Counseling Center on the Murray campus. If you are not located near Murray's campus, please view the list of providers.
Student Disability Services
Students requiring special assistance due to a disability should visit the Office of Student Disability Services immediately for assistance with reasonable accommodations. For information for students with disabilities contact the Office of Student Disability Services, 423 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071.
Telephone: 270.809.2018
Voice: 270.809.5889 (TDD)
Office of Diversity, Equity and Access
The Office of Equal Opportunity works to ensure that the university makes a good faith effort at providing a working and learning environment that is welcoming of diversity and free from discrimination and harassment.
Murray State Police Department
Visit this website for current emergency alerts.
Student Support Services (SSS)
Participants of the TRiO SSS program are academically at-risk, low-income, first-generation college students, and/or students with disabilities.
The library offers many resources for online learners. Visit University Libraries for more information.
The Racer Writing Center provides online consultations to distance learners. Visit the Racer Writing Center to view their services and book a consultation.
Refer to the Student Life Handbook for information on university policies and procedures.
Distance Learning students should first attempt to resolve complaints by reviewing and using the policies in place in the Murray State University Student Life Handbook. If the issue cannot be resolved internally, students can file a complaint in their state of residence by referring to state agency resources. As a last resort, if the issue cannot be resolved internally at Murray State, and cannot be resolved with the student’s state agency, a complaint can be filed with Murray State's accrediting body.
The Murray State Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletins are a helpful reference for questions regarding policies for admission and registration, academic programs, and specific class information. They can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.
For more information about privacy, view the following Murray State University policies and forms:
If you have any questions, please contact your professor or e-mail msu.online@murraystate.edu. For technical help, contact the Service Desk at 270.809.2346.