College Advisement/Registration Day for Students (C.A.R.D.S.) is a required orientation for students entered as first-time freshmen or first-year students with fewer than 24 college credit hours. The one-day orientation is usually held the semester before the student begins at Mineral Area College. The program features academic advising, registration for classes, campus tours, and information on housing, financial aid, billing, parking and student IDs.

Students who are admitted late and/or cannot attend a CARDS program may not register until after the last scheduled CARDS program for the semester.

Exceptions to the above policy may be approved by the Registrar of the Dean of Student Services.