General Student Information
Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to the healthy growth and development of the individual student in and out of the traditional classroom setting and to advancing the academic mission of the university. The division seeks to stimulate thoughtful development of a personal value system, leadership skills and life goals, and an awareness and appreciation of diversity. It also seeks to foster a learning community culminating in students emerging from university life as mature, responsible, successful leaders and contributing members of an ever-changing global society.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Northern State University is a community of scholars where students, faculty, and staff learn and grow together. Shared community standards based on mutual respect, fairness, and responsibility are the hallmarks of Northern. The Student Handbook defines community standards and behavioral expectations for community members. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards and Northern policies. Please consult the Student Handbook to find this information.
Questions or comments about regulations at Northern State University may be discussed with the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Residence Hall Living
Costs for the resident halls are listed the admission website.
Northern State University and the Office of Residence Life are committed to serving you by creating a safe, healthy, and culturally sensitive living environment conducive to learning. The professional staff, resident assistants, along with our talented student leaders want to provide each resident with a dynamic experience to life on campus!
Whether you are a new or returning student our staff is confident that you will establish more interpersonal interactions with other students while living on campus. These opportunities will assist you with enhancing your overall social and academic experience.
Students are able to sign up for a wide variety of on-campus living accommodations to suit the need of every person. The Office of Residence Life boasts its ability to create fun and impactful experiences for their residents and communities.
NSU offer six residence halls:
- Jerde Hall is home to the First Year Residence Experience (FYRE) Program which enables the freshman class to explore their options with other students of similar interest’s academic programs. The FYRE Program is also supported by University College through the TRIO/SSS Office and by the Division of Student Affairs by way of the Multicultural Student Affairs Center. Each of these programs provide the residents in Jerde Hall with live in mentors that oversee their respective Living Learning Communities (LLC). The mentors provide the vital support and academic resources to ensure their academic success in the classroom;
- Kramer & Steele Halls are home to our upperclassmen in a suite-style setting. These two residence halls offer upperclassman with the privacy and necessary accommodations to satisfy their academic rigor and lifestyle;
- McArthur-Welsh Hall is also home to upperclassmen and provides students a traditional style living environment with all the important necessities;
- Lindberg Hall is home to the NSU Honors Program. The Honors Program supports some of Northern’s finest scholars and school sponsored activities;
- Briscoe Hall is supported by the Fine Arts Department and offers all students with an opportunity to explore and enjoy the many programs and events hosted at NSU. It includes a mentor from the School of Fine Arts.
Food Service
All students required to live in a residence hall must purchase a meal plan. Students who live in a residence hall by choice are not required to choose a meal plan. Should a student want a meal plan exemption a student must secure a meal plan exemption form from the Residence Life Office and present the completed form to the Housing and Food Service Exemption Committee. A formal appeal process to the Director of Residence Life is available if a student is denied.
Students may purchase their meals at the Wolves Den, Einstein Bros Bagels or the Northern Express C-store on a cash, flex dollar or meal plan basis. All meal plans are paid for in advance.
Career Center
Career assistance is offered to NSU students and alumni so that they can make informed and satisfying decisions related to their career and educational goals. The Wolf Work System lists all vacancies known to the University, including full-time and part-time, on and off campus, and internships.
Finding a satisfying career path is part of an exciting life-long process, and students can take charge of it by taking a number of small steps throughout the university years. Available assistance includes strategies for making decisions (for major or career path), gathering accurate information about areas of interest, finding related experience prior to graduation, and searching for jobs, internships, and graduate programs (résumé writing, job interview skills, letters of application, identifying potential employers and finding known vacancies, and other related topics such as adapting to on-line search and application techniques). The Career Development and Placement Center is located on the second floor of the Student Center, Room 240. Phone: (605) 626-2371
Career Library
The Career Library contains current hard-copy information on careers, job outlook, starting salaries, résumés, interviewing, graduate programs, vacancies, and employers. Students and alumni may use these resources in the library, and students may check out most of the resources. In addition, numerous on-line resources are listed on the website. Phone: (605) 626-2371
Student Health Services
The Health Services Office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday when classes are in session. Staffed by Physician Assistants, it is open to students who have paid the General Activities Fee. Please note, the office is not open in the summer. Health Services is for the assessment and treatment of acute or sudden illnesses or injuries. The Health Services Office is located in the NSU Student Center, Room 230. Phone: (605) 626-7694.
Student Center
The Student Center is the community center for Northern State University students, faculty, administration and guests. It offers a variety of services, conveniences and amenities and provides a place for activities outside the classroom. The NSU Student Center is open Monday through Friday until 11 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends during the regular academic year except during holidays and extended breaks. For more information call (605) 626-3007.
NSU Wolf Shoppe and Post Office
Located at the west end of the NSU Student Center, the NSU Wolf Shoppe sells textbooks and instructional supplies as well as books for extracurricular reading. It also carries leisure and recreational items, clothing and sundries. Checks may be cashed in the bookstore. Phone: (605) 626-2655.
The post office is also located in the NSU Student Center, near the NSU Wolf Shoppe. It offers many, but not all, postal services. All students living on campus are required to have a campus post office box. Boxes are located in Northern State University Post Office. Cost of this service is included in the regular fees. Phone: (605) 626-2656.
Counseling Center
The Northern State University Counseling Center is staffed by trained counselors and graduate assistants who can help students with a variety of concerns. Students may schedule appointments or drop in. All conversations are held in strict confidence. Services include personal counseling, chemical dependency counseling and group counseling. Group session topics include: test anxiety, holistic health, assertiveness, relationships, eating disorders, sexual assault, chemical health issues, adult children of alcoholics and other requested topics. All services are offered to students free of charge. Phone: (605) 626-2371.
Disability Services
Northern State University is committed to a program of accessibility for students with disabilities. Campus grounds, walks and parking lots have curb cuts. Accessible parking spaces are available in each campus parking lot. Accessible building entrances are prominently marked.
A wide range of services are provided for students with learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, traumatic brain injury and other disabilities. Students or staff with questions regarding specific services for students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services. Phone: (605) 626-2530.
Multicultural Student Affairs
Multicultural Student Affairs provides leadership and direction for the development of education, cultural, and social programs that enhance intercultural understanding. The office partners with student organizations, academic departments, administrative offices, and community groups to educate the Northern community on the importance of diversity within the context of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical and mental ability, religion, culture, and age. Phone: (605) 626-3007
International Student Concerns
The Office of International Student Affairs is located in Lincoln Hall, Room 206. The International Student Advisor is available to help international students with admissions, adapting to the United States culture, academic adjustments; visa questions and work related concerns.
Northern State University has an active International Student Club that provides academic and social support to international students attending the university. Lincoln Hall, Room 206. Phone: (605) 626-7672
Student Activities
Northern State University offers a wide variety of events, programs and activities sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and other student groups and organizations. There are over 50 active student clubs and organizations.
CAB sponsors social, cultural, educational and recreational activities including dances, entertainers, films, forums, and special events. Many activities are free with a student ID.
Northern State University’s annual Gypsy Day homecoming committee works year-around to plan what has become a highlight for students, faculty, staff, alumni and area residents. NSU Student Center. Phone: (605) 626-3007
Orientation. New Student Orientation provides programming at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters to facilitate students’ successful transition to college life at Northern State University. Programs are designed to address academic, social, and wellness issues of college students. Students have the opportunity to meet and interact with faculty, staff, orientation leaders, and other incoming students.
Publications. Student publications include the Exponent, the campus newspaper, which reports activities and student opinion. The Student Handbook provides information about services, policies, procedures and regulations. The “Fall Frenzy” calendar highlights student activities and events throughout the fall semester.
Speech Communication. Northern State University offers forensic opportunities including competition on local, state and national levels in debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory, and oral interpretation. Students may gain experience in tournament administration and judging at Northern State University-sponsored high school forensic meets.
Theater. Students gain practical experience in acting, costuming, make-up, scenery construction and lighting at Northern State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center, the most complete theater facility in the region. A typical season includes three major productions, including a musical and student-directed productions. Students in every major field of study may become involved in theater as part of their academic program or as a special interest.
Music. Performing ensembles are open to every Northern State University student, whatever her or his major field of study. Ensembles include the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Orchestra, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and small vocal and instrumental ensembles. They may be taken for academic credit. Some of these performance ensembles tour in- and out-of-state.
Intramural Sports and Wellness Center. Northern State University has a comprehensive intramural program that offers team and individual activities during the evening in the fall, winter and spring. Students may participate in men-only, women-only, and coeducational activities. The Center is accessible with a student ID seven days a week.
Service Opportunities. Students can participate in service opportunities through the classroom, organizations, and residence halls. Students perform short-term projects for community agencies and learn about issues locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Cheer Team. Football cheer team tryouts are held in the spring of the year preceding the fall of the competition year. Basketball tryouts are held in the fall before winter competition. Women and men students may participate.
Intercollegiate Athletics. Northern State University has a proud athletic tradition that emphasizes a strong competitive effort along with recognition of the educational value of the experience. Northern offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). For more information, visit athletics website.
Northern competes in 18 individual and team varsity sports.
A scholarship program supports both men’s and women’s programs. Awards are made to deserving athletes by the coaches of the sport.
Regularly enrolled Northern State University students may study abroad through arrangements entered into by the University including exchange agreements, consortium, and service providers to provide as many option for students as possible. Although Northern State University recommends that students study abroad for a semester or an academic year, it is possible to enroll for a shorter period of time. There are also opportunities for students to study abroad with Northern faculty as part of short-term faculty-led trips. Northern credit can be earned during these experiences.
Northern State University students and faculty may participate in the following programs for credit through exchange partnerships and consortium agreements:
Australia: Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, University of Tasmania - Hobart and Launceston
Austria: Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences - Dornbirn
Belgium: HEC Management School - University of Liege - Liege, PXL University College - Hasselt
Canada: Okanagan College - Kelowna, British Colombia
China: Capital Normal University - Beijing, Capital University of Economics and Business - Beijing, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics - Shanghai, Shanghai University - Shanghai, University of Jinan - Jinan
Costa Rica: Latin American University of Science and Technology - San Jose
Denmark: International Business Academy - Kolding
Finland: University of Jyvaskyla - Jyvaskyla, Lapland University of Applied Sciences - Rovaniemi, Kemi & Tornio, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences - Kankaanpaa, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences - Pori, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences - Rauma
France: ESC Amiens - Amiens, Blaise Pascal University - Vichy, ESC Rennes School of Business - Rennes
Germany: Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal - Magdeburg, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences - Schmalkalden, Aachen University of Applied Sciences - Aachen
Japan: Nagasaki University - Nagasaki
Korea: Dankook University - Gyeonggi-do, Dongguk University - Seoul, Global Village Program Yonsei University at Wonju - Wonju, Hanyang University - Seoul, Korea University - Seoul, Catholic Kwandong University - Gangwon-do, Myongji University - Seoul, Pukyong National University - Busan, Soonchunhyang University - Asan City, Anyang University - Seoul
Mexico: Tec de Monterrey - Hermosillo, University of Monterrey - Monterrey
Netherlands: Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences - Rotterdam, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences - Maastricht
Scotland: Robert Gordon University - Aberdeen
Spain: Valencia Polytechnic University - Valencia
Thailand: Sripatum University - Bangkok
Northern State University has articulation agreements or memorandums of understanding with the following institutions:
Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities may be taken for credit toward graduation or for enjoyment. The usual tuition will be charged for those taken for credit. The number of credits granted for a particular activity is listed in sections of this catalog relating to the various college/schools.
Privacy Rights
As custodians of student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Northern State University assumes the obligation to ensure full protection of student records. Student records maintained by Northern State University include directory information and educational records. Student records are identified and accessed by student identification number.
Directory information is information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. NSU follows BOR policy regarding the release of directory information. The following has been defined as directory information at NSU and can be released without the student’s written permission:
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- Grade level (undergraduate or graduate)
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- Academic honors/achievements
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A student may request that directory information not be made public by completing a non-disclosure form in the Registrar’s Office asking that directory information be treated the same as educational records. While such a signed form is in effect, NSU will verify only whether or not a student is currently enrolled. This request remains in effect until negated in writing to the Registrar.
Educational records are those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student’s academic progress, financial status, medical condition, etc. Educational records may not be released to any third party, except those included under FERPA, without the written consent of the student.
The University discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
Students may change information on their record if they can prove it is inaccurate. Grade changes are made at the request of the faculty member who gave the original grade and with the approval of the faculty chair.
Student records, including admission records, are maintained under the supervision of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Academic records are maintained under the supervision of the Registrar. A complete copy of the NSU Privacy Act Policies and Procedures is available on the NSU website.
Standards of Conduct
- Failure to respect orderliness, morality, integrity and the rights of others, or insubordination toward university officials in the execution of their duties will be regarded as cause for disciplinary probation or expulsion from the institution.
- A Northern State University student who is arrested and convicted of a law violation may be subject to disciplinary action.
- A student who fails to pay a fee owed to the institution may be suspended until payment is made. A student who leaves Northern State University without paying debts in full will be denied a transcript of grades and/or refused future registration.
- A student who furnishes false or misleading information on admission, registration, personnel, or any other form, or who alters institution records, is subject to disciplinary action.
- The use or possession of intoxicating liquors, other alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverage containers is prohibited on university-owned or university-controlled property as well as in institution-owned or institution controlled buildings. Being in an area where alcoholic beverages or alcohol beverage containers are present is also a violation of policy.
- Dishonesty in class, laboratory work, or tests is a serious offense, subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and/ or authorized representative of the institution.
- Plagiarism is presenting as your own the facts, theories, or language, either quoted or paraphrased, of another. Instructors at Northern State University expect any writing by students to be their own work. Other writers’ facts, theories, or language incorporated into student work must be properly acknowledged or documented according to a standard guide to documentation; otherwise, the student is guilty of plagiarism. Penalty for submitting plagiarized work will be determined by the faculty member involved and may be dismissal from the institution, a failing grade in a course, or a failing grade on an assignment.
- Violation of any residence hall rule or regulation which endangers or seriously threatens the life or physical safety of others, leads to destructive group action, or results in difficulties with law enforcement authorities will result in disciplinary action. Other situations that will result in disciplinary action include not obeying the laws of the community, state and/or nation, participation in illegal possession or use of any drug or narcotic, committing a sexual offense, lack of respect for public and private property, refusal to cooperate with efforts made to help a student adjust to college responsibilities and behavior which discredits the school.
- Registration at Northern State University implies acceptance by the students of standards set by the institution and the laws and ordinances established by the city of Aberdeen and state of South Dakota.
A more complete listing of rules and regulations may be found in the Student Handbook and Residence Life Handbook.
Disciplinary Proceedings
Northern State University authorities have the right to regulate the use of the institutional facilities and to set standards of conduct and scholarship for its students. When disciplinary proceedings must be used, safeguards will be observed to protect the student from unfair penalties, as stated in the Student Handbook and Residence Life Handbook.
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