CLUE FAQs

What is "CLUE"?

The CLUE is a smart phone and virtual scavenger hunt; you'll complete tasks around campus  and on the MTSU website to collect points and earn prizes. Come "Get a CLUE" with us to

  • Connect with others on campus,
  • Learn about resources available to help you succeed,
  • Utilize services available around campus, and
  • Engage in campus activities. 

Visit the main CLUE webpage for more info.

Who can play?

  • Current undergraduate or graduate MTSU students in any major (especially CBHS students!) can play the game and win prizes.
  • Non-students (faculty, staff, parents, friends, former students, etc) are welcome to play the game but are not eligible for prizes

Can I play if I'm enrolled only in online classes and can't come to campus?

Yes! :) If you are enrolled only in online classes, you can request a virtual version of the scavenger hunt that can be played completely online. If you win the prize drawing, you can choose to have your prize mailed to you instead of picking it up in person.

How do I win?

Complete tasks to earn a prize entry. You'll need to complete all 6 of the required tasks and at least 6 of the optional tasks (at least 1 per task group) to be entered to win. Each person can win a maximum of one prize.

What can I win?

You can win 1 of 10 Powerbank Portfolios! Along with a built-in 5000 mAh powerbank and charging cord, this awesome portfolio includes a tablet sleeve and pockets for your gear, along with a lined notepad.

Earn 200 points to have your name listed on our virtual Wall of Fame!

Do I have to complete the tasks in order?

No, the tasks don't have to be done in any particular order.

How many points do I have?

We don't have a way to display your ongoing points total. However, we've created a handy little points calculator that will help you keep track! :) When you click the link, you'll see a blue box that says "Make a copy". Click on that to get the points calculator, save it to your own Google Drive, then follow the instructions on the calculator to use it.

Can I start the game early or end late?

The scavenger hunt will begin at 7:00am on Monday, September 25; the clues and submission form will not be available until then. The game ends on Friday, September 29 at midnight. Watch for an email on Monday, October 2, regarding whether you're a prize winner. If so, the email will include details on how, when, and where to pick up your prize.

Help!  I can't solve this clue or find this QR code!

If you're stuck on a task, try asking a friend for help! :)  However, if you're still stuck or if you think a QR code might be missing, let us know

Couldn't I just say I did the "I did this" tasks and not really do them?

For some of the optional tasks, you'll simply check a box to confirm that you completed the activity. Yes, you could just mark that box without actually completing the task; these are completely on an honors system. However, we expect you to "play fair" and do the activities. This is a great opportunity to practice your academic integrity. It's sort of like brushing your teeth every day--you might be the only one who knows whether you really do it or not, but you're also the one who will benefit most if you do! :)

QR Code Tips

What is a QR code? 

A "QR code" (short for Quick Response Code) is similar to a bar code.  It's a square made up of black and white block patterns (typically), which can be read by an app on your phone.  In many cases, a QR code will prompt your phone to open a website or connect with a particular app.  For this scavenger hunt, the QR code might take you to a website or might provide a code word for you to enter on your CLUE submission form. 

Help!  My phone can't read QR codes!  

If you have a smart phone, it actually probably can!  You might need to download a QR code reader app if your phone doesn't have one built in, but there are plenty of free options available.  Just go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for "QR code reader".  However, if you don't have a smart phone or find that you can't use your smart phone to scan the QR codes, please let us know.  We'll be happy to provide a non-smart phone option!

A scanned code keeps taking me to the CLUE website instead of giving me a code word.

We've found that some phone cameras go straight to the website listed in the code word text, instead of just showing the text itself. Try using a QR code reader app instead of your phone's camera. There are plenty of free options available; just go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for "QR code reader".  However, if that doesn't work, please let us know and send a photo of the QR code you're having trouble with.  We'll be happy to provide a non-smart phone option!

Technical Issues

I accidentally submitted an answer with a different email address! What should I do?

Easy fix: Just submit a new form for that task with the correct email address. Then let us know which incorrect email you used so we know to delete the incorrect one.

I can't edit and/or submit the form to register or for one of the tasks.

Try two easy fixes first:

  • Try to open the form in a different browser on your phone or computer. It should work on Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. We haven't tested Safari extensively but believe it should work there also. If you're having trouble in one browser, though, try another to see if it works there!
  • Try to open the form on a different computer, especially if you're having trouble on your smart phone. Go to one of the several labs on campus, or borrow a friend's computer for a few minutes!

I can't find the heading I'm supposed to click on.

If you're on a computer, it's often on the left side of the page, the "left nav" (if it isn't in the main section in the middle). If you're on a phone, click on the "hamburger menu", the three horizontal lines at the top right of the screen. You'll see a few links that are common to every MTSU webpage, then you'll see the the "left nav" links for that webpage.

If I need to miss class to finish the tasks, can I get an excuse note?

No, please do NOT skip class for this activity (or for an advising appointment, or any other avoidable reason)!! We're so happy to hear that you're enjoying the scavenger hunt :) but class attendance is very important. Work your scavenger-hunting around your class schedule and study time, please!

Other Issues

If you are still having trouble after reading through the above FAQs, please let us know