Student Services

Bookstore

The University Bookstore is operated as a service to students, faculty, and staff. The store is conveniently located in the Trojan Center. It is a recognized source for textbooks, art and office supplies, full-version academically priced software, university clothing, and memorabilia. The Bookstore is open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours during semester openings.

The Bookstore's major function is to provide the textbooks required to support the academic programs of the university. Used books are available for many courses at a substantial savings over new book prices. The general reading section includes a reference area, study aids, computer resource books, regional authors, etc. The Bookstore will special-order a book, if it is not in stock, at no additional charge.

The Bookstore also stocks greeting cards, gift items, university t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, backpacks, decals, school memorabilia, binders, folders, pens, pencils, notebooks, electronic items, computer supplies, and convenience items. Other services include postage stamps for purchase, along with a mail drop; personal check cashing (up to $10.00). All sales are cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Trojan Gold. Students, parents and alumni are able to shop online via www.dsubookstore.com.

Full refunds are given on books that are returned in new condition within three school days or three days from the date on the drop/add slip (copy required) and accompanied by the sales receipt. NO refunds are given after that time. Do not write in books until you are certain that you intend to keep it. At the end of the semester, a book buy-back is held during finals week. Books that are being used again the next semester (based on written orders from instructors) will be purchased at 1/2 the new book retail price. If the bookstore is unable to buy the textbook, the Nebraska Book Company may purchase the book at wholesale prices.

Campus Housing

Dakota State University is committed to providing residence halls which are comfortable and safe and which support personal growth. Not only does the student who lives on campus benefit from interaction with others in his/her hall, but he/she is more aware of the opportunities available on campus for learning and growth and better able to take advantage of them. It is for this reason that the South Dakota Board of Regents requires all unmarried students, during the first two years from the time they were graduated from high school and who are enrolled on a main campus for six or more credit hours, to reside on campus. A student may obtain an exemption from this requirement if they live full-time with their parents.

The combined capacity of DSU's four residence halls is 692. Emry Hall is home to 154 women and Richardson houses 192 men, while Higbie Hall (capacity 150) and Zimmerman Hall (capacity 124) are coed halls, with men and women on alternate floors. The 8-plex apartment complex houses 72 students. Each of the halls is staffed with a resident director, four resident assistants and a custodian. The resident assistants are students hired by the Residence Life Office to assist the resident director in creating and maintaining a quality living-learning environment. Each hall has a hall council, elected by the occupants, that serves to promote hall spirit and involvement.

Housing contracts are sent by the Admissions Office to prospective students upon admission to the University. Room assignments are made by the Residence Life Office for new students in the order that their completed contract and room deposit is received. Roommate requests will be honored when each person requests the other as a roommate. All rooms are double occupancy. Single occupancy of a double room, at the single room rate, is permitted when space is available, on the basis of seniority in terms of semester hours completed. Students receive their room assignment by mail beginning in mid-summer and are expected to move into the room assigned to them.

Each room is provided with study desks and chairs, single beds (consisting of frame, box spring and mattress and pad), closets and curtains. Additional furnishings in reasonable amount and size are permitted, including a small (two cubic feet) refrigerator. Students may purchase or construct lofts which meet hall standards. Local telephone service is included in the semester room fee and students are expected to provide their own phone. Students may obtain cable TV for $25 per month ($100 per semester) and, if they bring their own computer, may have it linked to the campus Local Area Network for $65 per semester. Each hall has one or more kitchens, a small computer lab, TV lounges and card/coin-operated washers and dryers.

American Indian Center

The American Indian Center (AIC) is committed to empowering American Indian students by providing the academic, social, and cultural support necessary for them to successfully become holistic leaders and citizens while maintaining their self-identity and preserving their Native heritage. The AIC fosters fellowship and services as a supportive foundation for students to help ease the transition from home to campus life. The AIC serves as a liaison between Native American students and the University promoting increased interaction and cross-cultural understanding throughout the DSU community.

Diversity Services

The principle responsibility of Diversity Services is to educate and enhance the understanding, commitment, awareness, and dedication of the university to pluralism, social justice education, and preparedness to be successful in the evolving “global village”.

Our commitment to diversity and academic excellence is reflected in the following goals for the university.

GOAL 1: To create a university that encourages and models respect for all individuals and provides equitable opportunity for the attainment of professional goals and personal fulfillment.

GOAL 2: To create a diverse community of students that reflects both societal and individual differences.

GOAL 3: To create a diverse community of faculty, staff and administration that reflects both societal and individual differences.

Food Service

The University Food Service is operated by the Aramark Corporation for the benefit of the students and staff of Dakota State University. The Marketplace, located in the Trojan Center, is the dining room of the campus. The a la carte pricing of all items allows the customer to select from a wide variety of food choices. A computerized cash register deducts the value of the food selected from the individual’s meal plan balance.

The University Marketplace is a short walk from the surrounding residence halls. Its hours have been designed to fit student needs - 7:30 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 7:00 pm on Friday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. In order to meet the diverse interests of its’ customers, the Marketplace offers snack items, full meals, salads, pizza, fresh baked foods and deli and grill items seven days a week. There are no restrictions on times to eat, what to eat or where to eat.

Java City . . . In the mood for a mocha? Enjoy a selection of hot or iced expresso beverages, or a classic pastry on your way to classes or work! Relax in our comfy soft seating or take your speciality drink on the go!
 

The Trojan Advanced plan is worth $267.50 Dining Dollars per semester and is designed for resident students in their third year and beyond and provides you with $267.50 in spending power, or approximately $2.23 available to spend each day. Customers not on a plan pay via cash or Trojan Gold.
 

Student Development

The Student Development Office, located in the Student Services Center in the lower level of the Trojan Center, provides a variety of services related to student retention. It functions as a central location for students, faculty and staff to establish relationships that will promote personal and academic excellence for each and every student. The personnel within Student Development support student involvement in, and ownership of, their unique learning process. The mission is to help each student succeed academically, socially, and personally in an interdisciplinary world. Relationship development, personal and career discovery and developmental counseling are tools Student Development staff employ to ensure student achievements and help students recognize the value of their unique skills, talents, ideas, awareness and capabilities.

Student Success Assistants work in the Student Success Center, located in the lower level of the Trojan Center. They assist students in career exploration and in learning basic academic skills. Student Success Assistants are students who have overcome challenges, have learned good basic academic skills, and are working toward achieving personal goals.

Counseling

Personal: Personal counseling services are readily available and provided by the professional staff including on-staff counselors, resident directors, and resident assistants. Students can access personal counseling, chemical dependency counseling, and therapy services through agencies within the Madison community by referral of Student Development staff. Self-help resources are available for students, faculty, and staff on topics ranging from stress and time management to test anxiety and date rape. These resources are also on-line through the Mundt Library and can be checked out in the same manner.

Academic: The Student Development Office collaborates with and supports the counseling efforts of academic advisors. Supportive student development professionals will work with students and their professors if difficulties are encountered with their classes. Test anxiety and time and stress management problems are evaluated and solutions are implemented to achieve success in the course.

Probation: Students on academic probation are counseled, mentored, and monitored to facilitate the student's progress toward good academic standing. Regular meetings are conducted with on-going, individualized attention given to students on academic probation.

Academic Resources

Career Exploration: The Student Success Center provides students with an opportunity to explore software programs, video tapes, books, pamphlets, magazines, and journals for career exploration and personal discovery. Career guidance materials, are available to students, including SIGI+, a computer-assisted career guidance system. A staff of professionals is ready to assist students personally as they explore their future careers options.

Tutoring: The Tutor Program provides tutors approximately 60 hours per week in the Academic Resource Center located in the main level of the Mundt Library.

Freshman Success Seminar: All first-time, degree-seeking freshmen must participate in a Freshman Success Seminar. The Freshman Success Seminar meets once per week for eight weeks of the semester and supports the transition of new students from high school to university life. Each Freshman Success Seminar is facilitated by a professor from within each student's major area of study and provides opportunities for the student to understand valuable and important resources. Case studies on issues regarding sexual harassment, zero tolerance and diversity issues are utilized. Topics such as coping with leaving home, campus living, life after class, how to choose a major, study skills, computers and college, and the importance of academic advising are discussed. The learning community that is established within their major facilitates each student's adjustment to her/his peers, classes, and instructors.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

AOD programming assists students in developing healthy life styles. Educational programs, mentoring programs, counseling, and alternative leisure activities contribute to retention and success of students.

Americans with Disabilities (See Related Section in Institutional Policies)

ADA academic assistance is facilitated through the Student Development Office. Professional personnel will counsel, refer, and/or assist students who have ADA-documented disabilities to help them to become successful and accomplished students. Programming is also provided to build student and faculty awareness of ADA issues.

Cultural Diversity

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.

Student Health

Health services for students at Dakota State University have been contract with two local providers which include the Interlakes Medical Center (903 N. Washington) and the Madison Community Hospital (917 N. Washington). Health services are available to students paying the General Activity Fee, for initial examination and medical care, administering of immunization and allergy shots and assistance with health and wellness questions/concerns. The clinic will also present two educational programs to the campus community per semester as well as providing wellness programming throughout the year.

The South Dakota Board of Regents has endorsed an accident and sickness insurance plan for students taking 5 or more credit hours. The plan which also has provisions for students’ spouses and their dependents. Purchase of the insurance plan is required for all international students who are not permanent residents, their spouses, and their dependents. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain their own health insurance coverage.

University Card

The University Card is the official University identification card. It provides access to the Karl Mundt Library, the Community Center, University Food Service, residence halls and Trojan Center, and various activities and athletic events. New students receive their card upon their arrival to campus. Thereafter, the Card is electronically reactivated each semester. The Card, which is not transferable to another person, should be carried by students at all times on campus.

In addition to serving as an access card, the University Card carries the declining balance of one of the three meal plans and also provides a pre-paid, stored-value program called Trojan Gold. Funds stored as Trojan Gold may be used at the Bookstore, the Production Center, vending machines, laundry machines, copiers, Concessions, and the Marketplace. It can also be used at several merchants off campus, including Pizza Hut, Pizza Ranch, Skippers, Taco John’s, Citgo Classic Convenience, McDonalds and Dairy Queen. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to activate the account. Thereafter, funds may be added at any time in amounts of $25 or more by means of cash, check, or credit card.

If a card is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the University Card Office (256-5146) in the Student Services Center. Once deactivated, funds are protected. The Trojan Gold account balance, which can be verified at each point of sale, carries forward from semester to semester. At the close of a person’s term at DSU, the unused balance, if greater than $20, is refunded.