MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome to Dickinson State University It is a sincere pleasure to share the content of this publication with you. As we reflect upon this past academic year, we have many outstanding accomplishments to report. All of the efforts are hallmarked by a spirit of collaboration and an enduring commitment to deliver programs that are timely, relevant and responsive to the educational needs of this region. As we move forward, we will embrace the guideposts within the North Dakota University System’s long-range strategic plan. DSU is committed to providing accessible and affordable programs that advance the overall vitality of the state. This past year, I frequently delivered public remarks regarding our enduring dedication to teaching, learning, scholarship and student success. Our commitment to academic success remains foremost. This fiscal year, using a modest amount of institutional resources, we allocated funds to advance three major academic initiatives. The first effort seeks to implement a continuous quality improvement (CQI) plan within our departments. Our curriculums need to evolve in order to maintain relevance. The second initiative, inspired by a 2008 American Council on Education Report, seeks to advance our global awareness initiative and commitment to infuse our formal curriculums and campus life with multicultural discussions and international perspectives. Increasingly, we live and work in a world where social, political, economic and educational relationships are globally focused, interconnected and mutually supporting. The third pool of funds was allocated to enhance our ability to foster innovative teaching, learning, scholarship and academic program excellence. In a world with an ever-changing environment, the content of knowledge and context for application are altered frequently by new discoveries and multiple trends. In summary, with one eye upon the future and a Centennial celebration over the horizon, DSU seeks to enhance its ability to be a learning-focused institution that intentionally serves the social, cultural and economic well-being of this region. Our vision to become a premier university in the Upper Great Plains implies a sustained commitment to improvement as we dedicate our energy to the educational process. This dedication to academic excellence within the teaching-learning transaction is a hallmark of our past, the cornerstone of our present and a pillar for our future success. As I close this essay, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support and assistance. I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse of the many successes Dickinson State University has enjoyed this past year. Richard J. McCallum, Ph.D. President 1 This catalog is published by Dickinson State University to provide prospective students and other interested individuals with information concerning this institution. Any part of this catalog may be changed or revoked without notice and may not serve as a binding obligation with the State of North Dakota or Dickinson State University. This catalog is intended to be a description of the policies, academic programs, degree requirements, and course offerings in effect for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 academic years. It should not be construed as an irrevocable contract between the student and the University. Dickinson State University reserves the right to change any of the policies, procedures, or fees described in this catalog and to apply these changes to any or all of its students as it sees fit.The University may also choose to add or delete course offerings or degree programs at any time. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Dickinson State University is fully committed to equal opportunity in employment decisions, educational programs, and activities in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including affirmative action efforts. In that regard, Dickinson State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion or creed, national origin, marital status, race or ethnicity, gender, disability, or veteran’s status in its admissions, employment practices, education programs, housing, food service, or other related activities. Inquiries regarding the educational opportunities or equal employment policies of this institution should be directed to Marshall Melbye, AA/EEO Officer, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601-4896 or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 10220 North Executive Hills Blvd., 8th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64153. Disclaimer from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education The State Board of Higher Education requires that the following announcement be published in all catalogs and bulletins of information issued by institutions of North Dakota: “Institutions shall publish electronic and/or hard copies of catalogs and bulletins for the purpose of furnishing prospective students and other interested persons with information about the institutions. Announcements contained in such printed or electronic material are subject to change without notice; and may not be regarded in the nature of binding obligations on the institutions and the State.” Dickinson State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, of Colleges and Schools located at 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message ................................................................................................................................................... 1 Academic Affairs Calendars ....................................................................................................................................... 4 The University ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Admissions Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 6-10 FERPA ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Financial Assistance .................................................................................................................................................... 11-16 Scholarship Information .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Student Development .................................................................................................................................................. 18-23 Academic Success Center ................................................................................................................................... 18 Career Services .................................................................................................................................................... 19 Residential Life ................................................................................................................................................... 20 Room & Board .................................................................................................................................................... 21 Business Affairs .......................................................................................................................................................... 24-25 Tuition and Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 24 Academic Affairs ....................................................................................................................................................... 26-43 Baccalaureate Degree Requirements ................................................................................................................... 27 Associate Degrees ............................................................................................................................................... 29 Certificate Programs ............................................................................................................................................ 29 Incompletes ......................................................................................................................................................... 31 Adding and Dropping a Course ........................................................................................................................... 32 Administrative Withdrawal ................................................................................................................................. 32 Grade Appeals ..................................................................................................................................................... 33 Erasing Terms for GPA Purposes ........................................................................................................................ 34 Academic Disciplinary Action ............................................................................................................................ 35 Advanced Placement Exams ............................................................................................................................... 37 Graduation Requirements ...................................................................................................................................