Mission Statement
	Strategic Statement
	Campus Diversity Plan
	Dakota State University's History

     This catalog describes the academic programs and student services offered at Dakota State University, helps you select a degree program that suits your career plans and life-long interests, and provides the information you need to pursue a program of study at Dakota State University.

Mission Statement

     Dakota State University is an institution specializing in programs in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs as outlined in SDCL 13-59-2.2. A special emphasis is the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers with expertise in the use of computer technology and information processing in the teaching and learning process. A secondary purpose is to offer two-year and one-year programs and short courses for application and operator training in areas authorized.

Undergraduate Programs

     The following curriculum is approved for the university: Bachelor of Science degree programs in biology for information systems, computer graphics design, computer science, elementary education, elementary education and special learning and behavioral problems, e-commerce, English for information systems, exercise science, health information administration, information systems, mathematics for information systems, multimedia/web development, physical science, professional accountancy, respiratory care, and secondary education.
     Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs in accounting, management information systems, finance, management, and marketing.
     Associate of Science degree programs in application programming, business management, health information technology, office management, respiratory care, and Associate of Arts degree program in general studies.

Graduate Programs

M.S. in Information Systems and M.S.Ed. in Computer Education and Technology.

Strategic Statement

“DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY:  HIGH TECH, personal touch”

Background

In 1997 the South Dakota Board of Regents adopted nine state policy goals.  The following nine goals have provided a vision for public educational institutions of this state for the past several years:

•               Access for all qualified South Dakotans;

•                Enrollment in economic growth programs;

•                Improvement in academic performance;

•                Attraction and retention of qualified professionals;

•                Development of faculty professionals;

•                Collaboration among the universities;

•                Enhancement of current technology infrastructure;

•                Maintenance of current facilities and equipment; and

•                Generation of external funds.

In June 2003, the Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Regents released “South Dakota Opportunities”, a new vision statement for the Board.  The policy goals contained in the report include the following:

•       Access: Every qualified South Dakotan shall have access to public
                postsecondary education.

•       Quality: South Dakota public universities and special schools shall provide a
                quality educational experience.

•       State Wealth: South Dakota public universities shall engage in activities designed
                to enhance the state’s long-term economy.

•        Efficiencies: South Dakota public universities and special schools shall continue
                to seek means for improving efficiency in the delivery of educational services.

A complete copy of “South Dakota Opportunities” is available on the Board of Regents website.

Strategic Planning 2002-07

Dakota State University views itself as a mission-driven institution that is a leader in the area of integrating technology into the academic disciplines of its curriculum.  The strategic planning process has uncovered a strong determination on the part of the administration, faculty, and staff to continue to improve the institution’s services, environment and curriculum to continue to provide a quality education designed for a twenty-first century world.  We view our campus as a safe, friendly, open, cooperative and collaborative environment.  We see ourselves as flexible, adaptable and accountable.  We are proud of our graduates and the high placement levels they achieve.  We have a quality and caring faculty and staff who are student-focused.  These are primary characteristics of the institution that we want to carry forward into our future.

In the process of planning, seven strong threads have been identified which all agree must be woven into the tapestry of DSU’s strategic planning goals and initiatives for the next several years.  They are Technology, Accountability, Recruitment, Retention,
E-Education, Fundraising, and Diversity. 

Campus Diversity Plan

Dakota State University is committed to providing an opportunity to learn in a rich environment free of intolerance and bigotry, one that teaches and honors the importance of the acceptance of differences in others. All members of the community have a responsibility to make DSU campuses and classrooms welcoming and respectful of each member’s differences and/or abilities. An investment in diversity is more than the act of recruiting diverse peoples to campus or celebrating ethnically themed events or holidays.

Diversity Mission Statement:
      The Dakota State University community asserts these fundamental beliefs:

•        Individuals who differ in age, creed, culture, exceptionalities, ethnicity, gender,
                race, sexuality, and socio-economic status all contribute to the diversity which
                we value in the university community.

•       Respect for all individuals and interaction with people different from oneself are
                essential components of a university education.

•       The university community pledges to promote an atmosphere, which encourages
                the development of potential and promotes the value of diversity.

Dakota State University's History

     Dakota State University has enjoyed a long and proud history of leadership and service since its founding in 1881 as the first teacher education institution in the Dakota Territory.

     For most of its history, DSU has been identified with teacher preparation, first as a normal school and later as a four-year public college. The University has had several different names, among them Madison Normal, Eastern Normal, and General Beadle State College. The name, Dakota State College, was adopted in 1969. On July 1, 1989, Dakota State College became Dakota State University. The University title was conferred on the institution by the South Dakota Legislature in order to better reflect its purpose in the total scheme of the state’s higher education system. Prospective elementary and secondary teachers continue to be educated here. To this traditional emphasis, DSU added business and traditional arts and science programs in the 1960s and two health services programs, Health Information Management and Respiratory Care, in the late 1970s.

In 1984, the South Dakota Legislature and the South Dakota Board of Regents turned to Dakota State University to educate leaders for the information age. In response, Dakota State University developed leading-edge computer/information systems degree programs. The graduates of these programs enjoy enviable status in the national marketplace. As a leader in computer and information systems programs, DSU has pioneered the application of computer technology to traditional fields of academic endeavor. This thrust has led to the development of unique degree programs in biology, English, mathematics, and physical science.

In recognition of its pioneering academic programs and outreach efforts, DSU was selected as one of the ten finalists for the 1987 G. Theodore Mitau Award. The Mitau Award is peer recognition by the nation’s largest association of higher education institutions, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, of the nation’s top state colleges and universities for innovation and change.

Dakota State University has been named to Yahoo Magazine’s list of the 100 most wired universities in the U.S. - ranking 12th on the list in 1998, 10th on the list in 1999, and 9th on the Baccalaureate II list in 2000.

Dakota State University continues to serve the needs of a changing society in its second century. In order to provide its academic programs to a broader audience, DSU has taken a step forward in distance education and offers courses and academic programs via Internet, the Governor’s Electronic Classroom, the Dakota Digital Network and the newly rennovated Technology Classroom Building.  As society’s educational needs change, Dakota State University will continue to evolve to meet these needs with education, scholarship and service.