Admission Requirements

Introduction

The Office of Admissions serves prospective students as they navigate the admission process at Dickinson State University. All policies and procedures for processing applications for admission are designed to be in compliance with State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and North Dakota University System (NDUS) policies. SBHE and NDUS policies can be found at NDUS.edu.

Dickinson State University has a rolling admission policy. While we strongly encourage students to apply early, students may apply at any time of the year. Students admitted early benefit from early registration opportunities.

In order to ensure timely processing of admission documents, the preferred application deadlines are: Fall Semester, Aug. 1; Spring Semester, December 15; Summer Session, May 1.

Documents and communications may be submitted to the following address:

Dickinson State University

Office of Admissions

291 Campus Drive
Dickinson, ND 58601

Or DSU.HAWK@dickinsonstate.edu

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

DSU has responsibility under federal law, the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, to protect the privacy of student education records, and the obligations of the institution regarding the release of educational records and the access provided to these records. Student educational records considered confidential may not be released without the written consent of a student unless such action is covered by exceptions permitted by the Act.

If you have any questions, regarding any information contained here, please contact the Office of Academic Records:

Phone: 701-502-4044
Email: dsu.records@dickinsonstate.edu

FERPA Release Request

Allows students to provide a consent to disclose personally identifiable information contained in their educational record. A student may either “ALLOW” the release of their information or “REVOKE” the FERPA information they already have on file.

1. Sign into Campus Connection
2. Select the DSU eForms tile
3. Select Records Office from the left menu
4. Select “FERPA Release”

Please allow at least 5 business days for processing.

Student Rights

See Notification of Rights Under FERPA section below for specific details regarding student rights.

Students are defined as individuals who are or have been enrolled in credit classes at DSU, regardless of age or parental/guardian dependency status. FERPA does not apply to records of applicants for admission, who are denied acceptance and do not enroll in classes.

Educational Records

Educational records are those records, files, documents, or other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the University or by a party acting on behalf of the institution. This includes any information or data recorded in any medium such as handwritten, electronic, email, video, or audio tapes, etc. It is more than just the academic record and is not confined to the student’s file in the Office of Academic Records.

Some examples educational records are:

• A document with the student’s name and ID
• Personally identifiable information (SSN, DOB, Student ID, Address, phone, Gender, Race/Ethnicity, Residency status etc…)
• Grades/G.P.A./Academic Standing
• Class Schedule/Class Attendance/Rosters
• Exams, papers, and other graded projects
• Academic Performance
• A computer display screen
• Student financial records

What are not educational records:

• Sole possession records: Records (desk drawer notes) of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record and not revealed to anyone.
• Law enforcement unit records: Records of our campus law enforcement unit created and maintained separately and used solely for law enforcement purposes.
• Employment records: Records relating to persons who are employees. NOTE: Records of individuals who are employed as a result of their status as students (e.g. work-study or graduate assistant) are education records.
• Medical records: Records kept and maintained by a health care professional, used solely in connection with medical or psychological treatment and are available only to individuals providing treatment. These records are protected by HIPAA.
  • Student medical or treatment record released for any purpose other than treatment, the record becomes educational and is released according to FERPA.
• Alumni records: Records created by an institution after a student has left the institution.

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are as follows:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.

Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

Students may ask the University to amend a record and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to University officials with a legitimate educational interest.

A University official is a person employed by the University or the North Dakota University System in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company supervising an educational experience (student teaching, clinical experience, practicum, internship, etc.); a person or organization related to credentialing or licensing a student; a person or company with whom the University or North Dakota University System has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); employees of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office providing legal representation to DSU; a person serving on the Board of Higher Education; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance Committee, or assisting another University or University System official in performing his or her tasks. A University official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the University discloses education records without a student’s consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which students’ education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records-including Social Security Number, grades, or other private information-may be accessed without student consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities (“Federal and State Authorities”) may allow access to education records and PII without student consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is “principally engaged in the provision of education,” such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to education records and PII without student consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when the university objects to or does not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive student personally identifiable information, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS), State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without student consent personally identifiable information from education records, and they may track student participation in education and other programs by linking such personally identifiable information to other personal information about students that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

The right to request the following categories of personally identifiable information, or ‘directory information’, not be made public:

• Student Name *
• Hometown (city, state)
• Campus E-mail address **
• Height, weight and photos of athletic team members
• Major field of study (all declared majors)
• Minor field of study (all declared minors)
• Class level
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment status (withdrawn, less than half-time, half-time, three-quarter-time, full time)
• Names of previous institutions attended
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Honors/awards received
• Degree earned (all degrees earned)
• Date degree earned (dates of all degrees earned)
• Directory photos, photographs and video recordings of student in public or non-classroom settings (photographs from classrooms or class-related activities are NOT directory information)

*If a student provides a preferred name, the University tries to use it when communicating directly with the student. Preferred name is a supported business practice, unless there is a documented business or legal reason to use a student’s legal name. When communicating with outside third parties, including parents, University generally uses a student’s legal name.

**Campus email addresses are only disclosed to requestors who agree not to use them for solicitation.

Students may provide consent to release non-directory information (financial and academic records) to designated third parties by completing the FERPA Release Form. The release remains in effect until revoked in writing.

A student may either “ALLOW” the release of their information or “REVOKE” the release of information if they already have on file by completing the following:

1. Sign into Campus Connection
2. Select the DSU eForms tile
3. Select Records Office from the left menu
4. Select “FERPA Release”

Restrict Directory Information

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, students have the right to request directory information not be made public by contacting the Office of Academic Records. DSU will honor student requests to withhold directory information until the student makes the request in writing to lift the restriction. DSU receives inquiries for “directory information” from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, prospective employers, government agencies, news media, parents, other colleges and universities, licensing agencies, etc. DSU has no responsibility to contact students for subsequent permission to release directory information after it is restricted.

Any student wishing to exercise this right must contact the Office of Academic Records, May Hall, room 118 for additional information.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by DSU to comply with the requirements of FERPA:

U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202

Parent/Guardian Rights Under FERPA

• When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending post-secondary institution regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student.
• Parents may obtain non-directory information when their student has provided a signed consent (FERPA Release) to the institution or provides evidence of dependency as defined by Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Section 152.
• Students may give access to a parent/guardian as a proxy to view or perform some actions in Campus Connection, such as view grades/classes or pay tuition.

Admission Policy Disclaimer

Admission policies at Dickinson State University are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Visit the Dickinson State University website at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions for the latest admission information or contact the Office of Admissions at 1.800.279.HAWK, 701-502-4390 or at dsu.hawk@dickinsonstate.edu.

Falsification or omission of information may result in a denial of admission, rescission of admission, dismissal or other appropriate sanctions.

Initial Determination of Residency Status

The State of North Dakota has established specific laws and entered into contractual agreements with other states to offer discounted tuition for those who qualify. Per NDUS policy 504, Dickinson State University uses the NDUS common application for admission to determine initial residency for incoming students. All applicants are assumed to be non-residents for initial residency unless sufficient evidence is provided on the application for admission. Knowingly providing inaccurate information of making false statements in answering questions regarding residency may result in prosecution in North Dakota for a class A misdemeanor.

Individuals who indicate in their application for admission that they are not a U.S. citizen, but hold permanent residency, must provide proof of a valid alien registration number prior to enrollment.

Documentation of Immunity

New students must provide documentation of vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. In compliance with NDUS Policy 506, vaccination may be proven by:

1. Presenting evidence of two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine at least one month apart from a health licensed physician or an authorized representative of a state or local health department
2. Presenting proof of a positive serological test for measles, mumps and rubella; and/or
3. Presenting proof of date of birth prior to 1957

Newly admitted students ages 21 and younger must provide documentation of vaccination against meningococcal. Records must indicate that the immunization was received after turning 16 years of age.

Exemptions apply to students enrolled in only online courses or if the applicant falls into any of the following categories:

1. Immunization is contraindicated by a medical condition.
2. A student’s beliefs preclude participation in an immunization program.
3. Student is a DSU employee enrolled in courses.

Admission Procedures

Freshman Admission

Incoming freshmen are encouraged to complete the application process between September and January for the following Fall Semester, or by November for the following Spring Semester, to ensure their application and documents can be processed in a timely manner. Applicants can expect an admission decision by email and postal mail.

Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. Admission decisions are based on the total high school record.

Applicants must complete the following high school college preparatory courses, if under the age of 25 before the first day of classes (one unit equals one year of study):

• 4 units of English;
• 3 units of mathematics (at the level of algebra 1 and above);
• 3 units of laboratory science, including at least 1 unit each in 2 or more of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science; and
• 3 units of social science.

In addition to fulfilling the college preparatory courses, grade point average (GPA) is considered in evaluating an application. The general guidelines used in making admission decisions include a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (4.0 scale).

Students who do not meet these guidelines will be considered if other supporting factors show potential for success.

First year applicants applying to certificate and associate degree programs are required to submit an official high school transcript as described above.

DSU will accept high school equivalency examinations in lieu of high school diploma, in accordance with NDUS procedure 411.2.

General Education Development (GED) prior to 2014 - Minimum passing score of 150 on each of the four subtests and a combined score of 600 or higher to pass.

GED 2014 and later - Minimum passing score of 145 on each of the four subtests and a combined score of 580 or higher to pass.

Educational Testing Services (ETS-HiSeT) - Minimum passing score of 8 on each of the five subsets and a combined score of 45 and higher to pass.

Freshman Admission Procedures

To be considered for freshman admission, the following must be submitted:

1. The completed Application for Admission. The application is available online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions.
2. A $35 nonrefundable Application Fee. The fee can be paid at the time of application. An admission decision is not made until the fee is paid. SBHE Policy 805.3 mandates the undergraduate application fee of $35.
3. An official high school transcript. An official or unofficial in-progress transcript should be sent to make an admission decision and an official high school transcript with final grades and a graduation date is required upon completion of high school.
4. ACT or SAT scores are optional and used for the purpose of placement as defined in the NDUS Procedure 413.1 and for scholarships.
5. Official college transcripts. Students taking course work at colleges or universities while enrolled in high school should submit official transcripts. To be considered official, the transcripts must be sent directly to Dickinson State University from the issuing institution. Transcripts can be sent at the completion of all college coursework and are not required to make an admission decision.
6. Applicants with international coursework may be required to submit additional information in accordance with NDUS Procedure 411.5.
7. All final documentation must be submitted by September 1 (Fall), January 10 (Spring), May 15 (Summer). An admissions hold will be placed on student’s account if documents are not received by deadline dates above.

Admission materials should be mailed directly to: Dickinson State University, Office of Admissions, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601 or sent electronically to DSU.HAWK@dickinsonstate.edu through an agency which transmits official educational documentation.

Home Educated Applicants

To be considered for freshman admission, home educated students must submit the following:

1. The completed Application for Admission. The application is available online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions.
2. A $35 nonrefundable Application Fee. The fee can be paid at the time of application. An admission decision is not made until the fee is paid. SBHE Policy 805.3 mandates the undergraduate application fee of $35.
3. An official high school Transcript. Transcripts should include:
   • Proof of high school graduation
     • A high school diploma issued under NDCC section 15.1-23-17 (or equivalent documents from another state) OR
     • A GED diploma with an overall score 450 and a minimum score of 410 on each individual subject exam for students testing from 2002-2013. Students testing after 2013 must present an overall average score of 145 or above. Dickinson State University will accept the General Education Development (GED) certificate in accordance with NDUS procedure 411.2.
   • Detailed listing of courses completed
     • Specific listing of classes completed by the student; identified and/or separated by class levels. (A course syllabus or detailed description for the course content may be requested.)
     • Clear identification of those courses which meet the North Dakota University System College Preparatory Requirements (CORE) including:
       • 4 units of English
       • 3 units of mathematics, Algebra I and above
       • 3 units of laboratory science, including at least 1 unit each in 2 or more of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science; and
       • 3 units of social science
   • A key explaining grading system and successful completion of coursework in each class in grades nine through twelve.
   • Date of student’s graduation/completion of plan of study.
   • Signature of the parent/instructor.
   • Identification of any other private or public high school the student has attended.
   • Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
   • Cumulative grade point average calculated on a 4.0 scale.
4. ACT or SAT scores are optional and used for the purpose of placement as defined in the NDUS Procedure 413.1 and for scholarships.
5. Official college Transcripts. Students taking course work at colleges or universities while enrolled in high school should submit official transcripts. To be considered official, the transcripts must be sent directly to Dickinson State University from the issuing institution. Transcripts can be sent at the completion of all college coursework and are not required to make an admission decision.
6. Applicants with international coursework may be required to submit additional information in accordance with NDUS Procedure 411.5.
7. All final documentation must be submitted by September 1 (Fall), January 10 (Spring), May 15 (Summer).

Admission materials should be mailed directly to: Dickinson State University, Office of Admissions, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601

Transfer Applicants

Dickinson State University considers an applicant’s overall academic performance when making an admission decision. An applicant’s cumulative college grade point average (GPA) and high school preparation (if applicable) are taken into consideration when evaluating an applicant.

If transfer applicants have completed fewer than 24 college credits at the time of application, the high school record will be taken into consideration along with GPA for college course work.

If transfer applicants have completed more than 24 college credits at the time of application, a decision will be based on the cumulative GPA from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.

In most cases, it is recommended that all applicants present at least a 2.0 GPA in all college course work to be considered for admission. If transfer applicants have credits from more than one college or university, all credits will be combined to determine the cumulative GPA for admission consideration. When reviewing applications, particular attention is paid to students’ most recent course work and the number of credits completed. If transfer applicants have in-progress course work at the time of application, all course work must be completed with a 2.0 GPA or above. Students who have been suspended from other institutions will not be considered for admission to Dickinson State University until the suspension has been lifted by that institution or until one year has elapsed.

Transfer Admission Procedures

Students interested in transferring to Dickinson State University from another college or university should submit the following:

1. Completed Application for Admission. The application is available online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions.
2. A $35 nonrefundable Application Fee. The fee can be paid at the time of application. An admission decision is not made until the fee is paid. SBHE Policy 805.3 mandates the undergraduate application fee of $35.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions from the college or post-secondary institution you attended. Dickinson State University does not accept faxed transcripts.
4. An official high school transcript (unless 24 semester/36 quarter credits college work have been completed at the time of application).
5. Supplemental Applications may be required by students seeking admission to professional programs.
6. Applicants with international coursework may be required to submit additional information in accordance with NDUS Procedure 411.5.
7. All final documentation must be submitted by September 1 (Fall), January 10 (Spring), May 15 (Summer). An admissions hold will be placed on student’s account if documents are not received by deadline dates above.

Upon admission to Dickinson State University, applicant transcripts will be forwarded to the Dickinson State University Office of Academic Records for an evaluation of transfer credits.

Admission materials should be mailed directly to: Dickinson State University, Office of Admissions, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601 or electronically to DSU.HAWK@dickinsonstate.edu.

International Student Admission Procedures

Dickinson State University is authorized under federal law to accept international students. An international applicant seeking admission must:

1. Submit the completed application for admission. The application is available online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions.
2. Pay the $35 nonrefundable Application Fee. The fee can be paid at the time of application. An admission decision is not made until the fee is paid. SBHE Policy 805.3 mandates the undergraduate application fee of $35.
3. To be considered for admission, all international undergraduate students are required to submit one official entrance exam from the list below:
   1. (IBT) TOEFL score of 71 or higher (DSU accepts electronic versions of TOEFL directly from the company). Dickinson State University school code - 6477.
   2. IELTS score of 6.0 or higher (Dickinson State University accepts electronic versions of IELTS directly from the company).
   3. ACT Composite score of 18 and English sub test 18.
   4. Minimum SAT Writing and Language score of 25 and the minimum SAT Total score of 950.
   5. Duolingo English score 105 or higher.
   6. Other approved language proficiency examination as approved by the SBHE in accordance with NDUS Procedure 413.1.
4. Submit a copy of the data page of the passport (may be submitted by scanning and uploading directly to your student application).
5. Submit official transcripts:
   1. Transcripts provided from either a) high schools not located in the United States, or b) post-secondary transcripts for institutions not regionally accredited in the United States must be official and must be accompanied by certified English translations (if in a language other than English).
   2. All documents submitted for purposes of admission must be certified/official. Uncertified/unofficial photocopies of required documents are not acceptable.
   3. In most circumstances, an independent evaluation from a NACES approved agency is also required. NACES members are listed at www.naces.org/members.htm.
   4. Official transcripts from all post-secondary instructions of higher education.
6. Submit official notices from a bank indicating the student or student’s sponsor has necessary funding for one (1) full year of tuition, fees, insurance, room, board and books. Notices must come in a sealed envelope directly from the bank to Dickinson State University. Any documents submitted in envelopes which have been opened or tampered with will be automatically declined. Bank draft letters are preferred.
7. Submit a complete Declaration of Finance form (may be submitted by scanning and uploading directly to your student application).
8. Prior to course enrollment, submit documentation of immunity. Immunity may be documented by showing evidence of (a) two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine no less than one month apart from a health licensed physician or authorized representative of a state or local health department; (b) proof of a positive serologic test for measles, mumps and rubella; or (c) proof of date of birth prior to 1957. Newly admitted students ages 21 and younger must provide documentation of immunity against meningococcal. Records must indicate that the immunization was received after turning 16 years of age.
9. Upon arrival student must provide proof of:
   1. Freedom from Tuberculosis. TB testing is conducted on-campus by Health Services. Students showing positive reactions will be sent to a local clinic for additional testing.
10. Applicants who are transferring to Dickinson State University from another institution of higher education in the United States must, upon admission to Dickinson State University, request of their home institution to have their SEVIS record be transferred to Dickinson State University. This must be done before immigration documents can be issued.
11. All final documentation must be submitted by September 1 (Fall), January 10 (Spring), May 15 (Summer).

Admission materials should be mailed directly to: Dickinson State University, Office of Admissions, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601

Admission Procedures for Other Student Types

Collaborative Admission Process

A student who wishes to enroll in a course at another NDUS institution as a collaborative student must contact the home institution for approval to register as a collaborative student. Only fully admitted undergraduate students in good academic and financial standing are allowed to enroll collaboratively. International students must receive approval from the home institution’s Designated School Official (DSO). NDUS institutions are not required to allow students to enroll on multiple institutions as collaborative. NDUS Procedure 404 governs collaborative processes at Dickinson State University.

Continuing Admission Procedure

A Continuing Student is one that has already earned a degree from Dickinson State University and wishes to pursue another degree with the institution without a break in enrollment. The admission application procedures for these instances requires the following:

1. Complete the Continuing Enrollment form for readmission. The Continuing Enrollment form is available online on the forms webpage.
2. Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended since leaving Dickinson State University.
3. Provision of documentation of immunity (if not already on file).

Re-Admission Procedure

A Dickinson State University student who has not taken coursework for one semester or more will be required to complete the process for re-admission to the University. Applicants seeking readmission must:

1. Complete the Returning Student form available online on the forms webpage.
2. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended since leaving Dickinson State University.
3. Provide documentation of immunity (if not already on file).

Early Entry Admission Procedure

High school students interested in taking courses offered through the Early Entry, formerly known as Dual Credit, program at Dickinson State University must complete the application for undergraduate admissions, submit a $35 one-time application fee, and return a completed enrollment form to the Office of Admissions.

Additionally, another classification of Early Entry student is a student who is still enrolled in high school and wishes to simultaneously enroll in post-secondary courses that are offered on the University campus. Applicants must submit an application for admission and pay the $35 non-refundable application fee. Applicants must be in good academic standing with their high school and receive approval from both their parent(s)/guardian(s) and the high school principal/guidance counselor. An Early Entry Form is available through the Office of Admissions. ND high school students can also access the application through PowerSchool.

Non-Degree Seeking Admission Procedure

A Non-Degree seeking student who wishes to take courses at Dickinson State University without pursuing a degree-related program of study must submit:

1. The completed application for admission. The application is available online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/admissions.
2. Pay the $35 nonrefundable Application Fee. The fee can be paid at the time of application. SBHE Policy 805.3 mandates the undergraduate application fee of $35.
3. The non-degree supplemental questionnaire is available from the Office of Admissions or online.