University Policies

Academic Credit for Non-Traditional Learning Experiences

Dakota State University allows undergraduate degree-seeking students who are currently enrolled to earn academic credit for non-traditional learning experiences when those experiences are equivalent to coursework provided at Dakota State University. DSU also allows credit for Departmental Credit by Examination and Dual credit for High School in addition to external evaluations such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test Military Credit (DSST), and International Baccalaureate.  DSU will evaluate and record credit for the non-traditional learning experience of degree-seeking students currently enrolled at Dakota State University or former students of Dakota State University seeking enhanced certification, licensure or employment opportunities.

Dakota State University cannot guarantee that credit earned for non-traditional learning experience at DSU will transfer to other institutions, since institutional practices/policies vary.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Credit for work accomplished in high school through the Advanced Placement program of the College Examination Board will be awarded, based on the approved exams and scores noted in the university catalog under “Advanced Placement”. South Dakota public university system will only accept Advanced Placement scores recorded within five years from the time a student seeks credit by examination.

1. Students complete the Advanced Placement test administered by their high schools and request that the scores be reported to Dakota State University.
2. Advance Placement sends scores report to the students and to DSU’s Provost/Academic Vice President Office.  The Provost/Academic Vice President’s Office notifies the student and Registrar of the exam results.  The Registrar enters the credit for the examinations on the students’ transcripts.  Nothing is entered on transcripts if the AP score does not meet DSU credit standards

* Retroactive credits for FREN 101, FREN 102, and FREN 201 earned if FREN 310 is completed with a grade of “C.”

** Retroactive credits for FREN 101, FREN 102, and FREN 201 may be earned if an appropriate upper-division course is completed with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

* Retroactive credits for GERM 101, 102 and 201 earned if 311 or 312 is completed with a grade of “C” or better.

** Retroactive credits for GERM 101, 102 and 201 may be earned if an appropriate upper-division course is completed with a grade of “C” or above.

* Retroactive credits for SPAN 101 , SPAN 102  and SPAN 201  may be earned if SPAN 311  or SPAN 312  is completed with a grade of “C” or better.

** Retroactive credits for SPAN 101 , SPAN 102  and SPAN 201  may be earned if an appropriate upper-division course is completed with a grade of “C” or above.

+ Course credit will not be awarded to students entering the system with qualifying scores after June 2014.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students may take CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams to earn credit for specific courses. A listing of specific course equivalencies and minimum scores follow the process below.

1. Students contact the Testing Office (Heston Hall, 256-5101) for CLEP information and to schedule an appointment.
2. Students pay the appropriate test fee and complete the computer-based exam. Military personnel and eligible civilian employees and spouses can complete the CLEP exams at DSU without paying the exam fee. Please contact 256-5101 or testing@dsu.edu for more information on CLEP testing for military.
3. The Testing Office electronically submits the test results to Educational Testing Services. The student may receive an unofficial score report, but results are not official until validated and returned to DSU by ETS.  The Vice President for Academic Affairs Office notifies the Registrar and the student of the official exam results and, if the score meets or exceeds DSU’s standards, the Registrar enters the credit for the exam on the student’s transcript. (Nothing is entered on the transcript if the CLEP score does not meet DSU credit standards.)

The CLEP program has a long-standing polilcy that an exam may not be retaken within a three-month period.  This waiting period provides the student with an opportunity to spend additional time preparing for the exam or the option of taking a classroom course.

CLEP Test Equivalencies

Department Credit-by-Examination

In subjects for which there is no equivalent CLEP examination, students may petition to challenge college coursework via a departmental credit-by-examination. A grade of “C” or better is required on the exam to earn course credit.

DSU credit will be granted only for passing scores earned the first time each subject department credit-by-exam is taken. If a student earned a grade of D or F in a course, a departmental credit-by-exam cannot be used to gain DSU credit for that course.

1. Students discuss the proposal with the dean of the college that offers the course. With the approval of the dean, students complete the “Application for Credit by Examination” form available through the Enrollment Service office or web site. Current costs for challenge exams are noted in the university catalog under Tuition, Fees, Housing and Board costs.
2. The dean approves the student request, works with the faculty member to set very specific standards for earning the credits (test, essay, project or demonstrating abilities) and makes arrangements for administering the exam. This request must be approved by the dean by the deadline for withdrawal from a full-semester course, which is published in the Academic Calendar.
3. The faculty person identified on the form administers and grades the exam and the exam results are reported to the dean, prior to the end of the academic term in which the grade will be recorded.
4. The dean notifies the student and the Registrar of the outcome. Only successful exams are noted on the student’s academic record.

Dual-credits for High School Courses

The South Dakota Board of Regents has established agreements with colleges and universities whereby the South Dakota regental universities will accept high school, dual-credit courses for transfer. All other high school courses for which students received college credit will not be entered as transfer credit, or given equivalent credit, unless validated by an Advanced Placement or CLEP score that meets Board of Regents guidelines for acceptance of credit, the college credit is granted by a university with which the Board has a dual credit agreement, or the college credit is granted by an institution accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).  For a list of the universities and colleges that the university system has agreements with go to https://www.sdbor.edu/administrative-offices/academics/DualCredit/Pages/default.aspx.

High school dual credit courses taken at any of the six regental universities within the state of South Dakota (either on campus, online or at university centers) are recorded on the official college transcript of the student.  Therefore, the courses transfer as any college coursework would, without the need for additional testing such as CLEP or Advanced Placement.

Credit For Prior Learning/Work Experience

Requests for credit via prior learning/work experience must directly correspond to academic coursework offered by Dakota State University. The experiential learning must be fully described and documented by the student in writing to indicate the direct correspondence or equivalence to specific university course(s). Requests should be evaluated by external supervisors, if appropriate, and by University officials in light of the student’s educational objectives.

1. Students prepare a cover memo to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, stating the course(s) for which he/she would like to receive prior learning credit. In addition to the memo, the student’s application for prior learning should include:
   1. Transcript for the course(s) (either an original or a copy) that includes the course prefix, number, title and date of enrollment;
   2. Course syllabus;
   3. Name of instructor;
   4. Any course projects that seem appropriate;
   5. Statement/memo from the student’s DSU advisor, indicating the student and the advisor have discussed the student’s application and the advisor agrees that prior learning credit is appropriate for this student in this major; and
   6. $50 per transcript processing fee

In cases where the prior learning application is based on experiential learning, rather than completed coursework, the student is expected to put together a portfolio that demonstrates this experience. This document should include:

2. Student memo plus documentation is submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs;
3. A faculty committee is appointed to review the application and reports its recommendation to the college dean, who forwards the recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs;
4. Enrollment Services, the student, and advisor are notified by the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the committee’s recommendation.

Military Credit

Military credits are evaluated according to guidelines set forth by the American Council on Education and published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Dakota State University has been approved as a Service members Opportunity College and is listed in the SOC Guide for use by military personnel.

Students requesting evaluation of military work should provide a copy of the course evaluation done by the American Council of Education (ACE) or an official copy of DANTES transcript to the Registrar.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Developed by The Chauncey Group International LTD., a subsidiary of the Educational Testing Services (ETS), the DSST program provides an opportunity for students to receive college credit for the knowledge acquired outside the traditional college classroom. Currently, thirty-seven DSSTs are offered in the subject areas of business, physical science, humanities, social science, and applied technology. For more information, contact DSU Testing Office at 605-256-5101 or e-mail testing@dsu.edu.

DANTES (DSST) Test Equivalencies

International Baccalaureate  

The South Dakota Board of Regents has established guidelines for accepting International Baccalaureate credits. 

¹ Exam no longer offered as of 2020.  Scores will be no longer accepted after 2025.

Academic Honors

Undergraduate, full-time students may be designated for the President’s Academic Honors List at the end of the fall and spring terms. The President’s Academic Honors list is determined by the home university and is based on a student’s total course registrations for academic credit for the term from any Regental university. The President’s Academic Honors List designation does not appear on the transcript.

To be awarded President’s Academic Honors designation, students must meet the following guidelines:

1. Students must have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours during the term in courses numbered 100-699.
2. Students much achieve a System Term GPA of at least 3.50.
3. Students with F, I, U, RI, RU or WFL grades in the term are not eligible regardless of System Term GPA attained.

Undergraduate, part-time students taking fewer than 12 credits per term may be designated for academic recognition for part-time students at the end of the fall and spring terms. The academic recognition for part-time student designation is determined by the home university. The academic recognition for part-time student designation does not appear on the transcript.

To be awarded the Academic Recognition for Part-Time Students designation, students must meet the following guidelines:

1. Students must have completed at least 12 credit hours prior to the current semester at one or more Regental institutions.
2. The student must have earned at least 3 and up to 11 credit hours of 100-699 level courses during the term.
3. Students must achieve a System Term GPA of at least 3.50.
4. Students with F, I, U, RI, RU or WFL grades in the term are not eligible regardless of System Term GPA attained.

Any exceptions to this policy and procedures are approved by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic Integrity

Basic Standards

Registration at Dakota State University requires adherence to the University’s standards of academic integrity. The following examples represent some basic types of behavior that are unacceptable:

1. Cheating: using unauthorized notes, study aids, devices, or information on an examination; altering a graded work and resubmitting the work for re-grading; presenting another person’s work as your own. Cheating also includes aiding and abetting academic dishonesty, for example: (a) providing material, information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that such aid could be used in any of the violations stated above, or (b) providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity.
2. Plagiarism: submitting material that in part or whole is not entirely one’s own work without attributing those same portions to their correct source.
3. Fabrication: falsifying or inventing any information, data or citation; presenting data that were not gathered in accordance with standard guidelines, defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data, and failing to include an accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.
4. Obtaining an Unfair Advantage: (a) stealing, reproducing, circulating or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the instructor; (b) stealing, destroying, defacing or concealing library materials with the purpose of depriving others of their use; (c) unauthorized collaboration on an academic assignment (d) retaining, possessing, using or circulating previously given examination materials, where those materials clearly indicate that they are to be returned to the instructor at the conclusion of the examination; (e) intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student’s academic work or (f) otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students’ academic work.
5. Falsification of Records and Official Documents: altering documents affecting academic records; forging signatures of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, grade report, letter of permission, petition, drop/add form, ID card, or any other official University document.
6. Unauthorized Access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems: viewing or altering computer records, modifying computer programs or systems, releasing or dispensing information gained via unauthorized access, or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems or information.

Procedures

Once a faculty member suspects a student of academic dishonesty, or another student reports an act of academic dishonesty, there is a defined process for proceeding. By following the procedure, both the student(s) and faculty member(s) concerned are protected. The faculty member’s responsibilities and the student’s rights are specified below.

The Process

1. Each faculty member has the responsibility and authority to deal with instances of academic dishonesty occurring within his/her classroom/laboratory setting. The faculty members’ responsibility begins with the course syllabus. In the syllabus, each faculty member must include his or her academic integrity policy and the implication of violating that policy OR reference the Trojan Handbook code of conduct. If a faculty member has reason to believe that a violation has occurred, he/she will evaluate the available evidence.  If the faculty member determines that the evidence supports a claim of academic dishonesty, he/she will inform the Student Conduct Officer (SCO). 

   The faculty member will meet with the Student to discuss the allegations and attempt informal resolution. The Faculty Member may request the assistance or presence of the Student Conduct Officer for this meeting including previous Academic Misconduct history of the student.

   Informal resolution is reached when:

   a. The Student and the Faculty Member agree that there was no Academic Misconduct; or

   b. The Student admits to the Academic Misconduct, agrees to the academic consequence, and signs a form documenting the Student’s agreement. By signing the form, the Student waives the right to appeal both the fact that the Student engaged in the Academic Misconduct and the academic consequence.

   If informal resolution is reached, the Faculty Member must inform the Student Conduct Officer.

   If the informal resolution is reached under (a) no further action is required. If informal resolution is reached under (b), which includes the Student admitting to the Academic Misconduct, the Faculty Member must provide a signed form (by both instructor and student) used to document the Student’s agreement to the Student Conduct Officer.

   Informal resolution authorizes the Faculty Member to impose whatever action or corrective measures he/she deems appropriate, as specified in the syllabus and agreed upon by both the Faculty Member and the Student as a result of informal resolution. A student may not appeal either the fact that the student engaged in the Academic misconduct or the academic consequence imposed by the Faculty member because the Student waives such appeal rights in agreeing to the informal resolution under this policy.

   If informal resolution is NOT reached, the Faculty Member must provide a signed form (by faculty and if possible the student) to document the Student’s NON agreement and to inform the Student Conduct Officer that the alleged Academic Misconduct was not informally resolved through this policy and will need to be addressed through Board Policy 3:4.

   At the completion of the formal hearing under BOR 3:4, the faculty member will receive a copy of the Student Conduct decision. If it was determined that a violation of the Student Code of Academic Misconduct was occurred, the faculty member may now impose the stated academic consequences for the misconduct.

   As with any academic action, the student has the right to appeal the actions or corrective measures imposed by the faculty member as a result of the formal BOR 3:4 resolution process. (See related DSU Policy 03-30-00). As indicated above, it is the obligation of every faculty member to inform students at the beginning of each course of the objectives, requirements, performance standards and evaluation procedures for the course. This information should be incorporated into the current course syllabus and provided in writing or via the course web site to students. If a student believes that the action / corrective

   measure imposed by the faculty member was inappropriate, he / she may appeal the action / corrective measure by filing a formal appeal, following the process outlined below.
   
   Referrals to the Academic Integrity Board may be made by the student involved. If the student appeals the action / corrective measure imposed by a faculty member, they must file the appeal within two weeks of their notification of the results of the BOR 3:4 hearing.

   The Academic Integrity Board will schedule a review of the case within one week of receiving the appeal. The Board will evaluate the appeal and recommend a course of action to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This recommendation may include: (a) overturning the action / corrective measure imposed by the faculty member, or (b) agreement with the faculty members’ course of action / corrective measure.

   The Vice President for Academic Affairs will be the final arbiter in any dispute of academic honesty.

   All findings of the Academic Integrity Board will be forwarded to the Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs. The Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs will be the depository of information for the Board. The findings of the Academic Integrity Board do become part of the student’s overall disciplinary record.

   Students charged with academic dishonesty may not change their registration in a course in which the charge is pending, or in which a finding of academic dishonesty has been made.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The enforcement of academic integrity lies with the general faculty of Dakota State University. In all cases involving academic dishonesty, the student charged or suspected shall, at a minimum, be accorded the following rights.

1. Prompt investigation of all charges of academic dishonesty, to be conducted, in so far as possible, in a manner that prevents public disclosure of the student’s identity. Such investigation may include informal review and discussion with an official of the school prior to bringing a charge, provided that such review does not compromise the rights of the student in the formal process.
2. The faculty member will provide the student with a written statement of the specific academic integrity violation and the action/corrective measure that will be taken by the faculty member.
3. The student will have two weeks from the date of formal notification in which to file an appeal.
4. The student will be provided an appeal hearing or meeting with the Academic Integrity Board at which time the student involved may be heard and the accuracy of the charge determined.
5. At any stage of the proceedings, the student may be accompanied by a fellow student, a faculty member, or another individual of the student’s choosing. This person may not take part in the proceedings except as a witness if that individual testimony is deemed relevant by the Academic Integrity Board. The student must speak on his or her own behalf.

Faculty and Administrative Responsibilities

In order to implement these principles of academic integrity, it is necessary for the administration and faculty to take certain steps that will discourage academic dishonesty and protect academic integrity. Those steps include:

1. Examination security - Each faculty member or college office should safeguard examination security.
2. Testing Procedures - Faculty should take all feasible efforts to secure the testing area.
3. Instructors should inform students of the academic requirements of each course. Such information may appropriately include (a) notice of the scope of permitted collaboration, if any; (b) notice of the conventions of citation and attribution within the discipline of the course; and (c) notice of the materials that may be used during examinations and on other assignments.

Academic Probation/Suspension

Minimum Progression Standards

Minimum progression standards and related actions are based on the student’s cumulative grade point average and system term grade point average.

Good academic standing:  A student who meets or exceeds the cumulative grade point average requirements as listed is considered to be in good academic standing.  The Academic Standing process is completed at the end of the Spring term.  The required GPA’s are based on credit hour completion.  Students who have taken more credit hours are expected to meet a higher GPA standard.
 

Academic Probation:  If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below the GPA standard for his/her designated class rank as listed at the end of the Spring academic term, the student is placed on academic probation for the following term.

While on academic probation the student must earn a system grade point average that meets or exceeds the GPA standard required.  During this period, the student’s academic success team is expected to monitor and meet with the student to best position him or her for success.

When a student on academic probation achieves a cumulative grade point average that meets or exceeds the GPA standard, the student is returned to good academic standing.

Academic Suspension:  A student on academic probation who fails to maintain a term and/or cumulative grade point average that meets or exceeds the GPA standard required by the next Academic Standing process is placed on academic suspension for a minimum of two academic terms.

A student on academic suspension will not be allowed to enroll for any coursework at any Regental university except when an appeal has been approved by the Regental university from which the student is pursuing a degree.  An approved appeal granted by one Regental university will be honored by all Regental universities.  (Also refer to BOR Policy 2:3, Section C.9.7 Students on Probation/Suspension)

Only academic suspension will be entered on the student’s transcript.  Academic probation will be noted in the internal academic record only.

Students enrolled in the Regental system for the first time with prior credit, including internal and external transfer students and dual credit students, shall not be placed on probation by their designated home institution until they have been enrolled at a Regental university for one (1) academic term.

Readmission

A student placed on academic suspension may re-enroll only upon successful petition for readmission to the Student Readmissions Committee. The expectation of the university is that a student placed on academic suspension will sit out at least two academic terms. However, the Student Readmission Committee is empowered to grant immediate reinstatement. Students readmitted from academic suspension enter on academic probation unless they have completed coursework, at another institution, which moves their cumulative GPA above the 2.0 minimum requirement. Students which the committee recommends for readmission must maintain 100 percent class attendance. Classes missed as a result of illness or emergency circumstances must be reported to his/her instructors at the first opportunity. Students who maintain less than regular class attendance will be administratively suspended. The committee may also specify the courses to be taken and the maximum number of credit hours to be carried by the student during the first semester of readmission.

When petitioning for readmission from academic suspension, the burden of proof rests with the student. The student will be given an appeal hearing if he or she can demonstrate extenuating circumstances that had significant, negative impact upon the student’s ability to study, attend classes, and complete assignments. At the committee meeting, the student will be expected to 1) candidly discuss the circumstances that contributed to the academic suspension, 2) provide a plan for overcoming any obstacles to future academic success, 3) demonstrate a firm commitment to repairing your academic record, and 4) provide documentation in support of all claims of extenuation. Please remember that the burden of proof rests upon the student, and not than with the committee. Therefore, the student should be prepared to answer any/all questions committee members might have at this meeting, and to offer documentation in support of all important claims of extenuation.

A student who has been readmitted on academic probation from academic suspension and who does not maintain good academic standing may not petition for immediate reinstatement.

Assessment and Testing

Entry Level Assessment/Placement Testing

The Board of Regents has developed a standardized placement process to ensure that entering students are placed into math and English courses most appropriate for their ability and background. The requirements can be found in BOR Policy 2:7 Baccalaureate General Education Curriculum and BOR Policy 2:26 Associate Degree General Education Requirements and BOR Academic Affairs Guidelines 7.6.

All entering students seeking an associate or baccalaureate degree must provide valid (within the last five years) ACT scores, SAT scores, Smarter Balanced scores, or must take the College Board ACCUPLACER examination in the areas of writing, mathematics and reading. All non-degree seeking students enrolling in English and/or mathematics courses must provide scores that meet BOR Guidelines in the areas of English and/or mathematics.

Students enrolled prior to spring 2000 who have already been placed into their initial mathematics and English coursework, and transfer students who have completed equivalent general education coursework in English and mathematics are exempt from this requirement.

Students transferring within the Regental system will be allowed to transfer their placement test scores and continue their sequence of courses in English and/or mathematics.

For more information on the placement process for entering students, see http://dsu.edu/student-life/testing-services.

Pre-General Education Courses

As determined through the placement process, students may be required to take pre-general education courses, such as ENGL 033, MATH 095 or MATH 101. 

Students placed into one of these pre-general education courses must enroll in and complete the course(s) within the first 30 regental credit hours attempted. If a student does not complete the pre-general education course(s) within the first 30 credit hours attempted, a registration hold is placed on the student’s record. During the next 12 credit hours attempted, the student must enroll in and complete the pre-general education course(s).

If the pre-general education course(s) is not completed within the first 42 regental credit hours attempted, the only course(s) in which a student may enroll is the pre-general education course(s); and the student’s status is changed from degree seeking to non-degree seeking, unless the student receives an exception from the VPAA.

Transfer students entering with 42 or more credit hours, who are still in need of pre general education coursework, are required to enroll in the necessary pre-general education coursework during their first 30 credits attempted in the regental system.

Credit hours for the pre-general education courses are included in the total number of credit hours attempted, but 000-level courses do not count toward completed credits.  The grades assigned for courses numbered less than 100 will be RS (remedial satisfactory) and RU (remedial unsatisfactory). MATH 095 also includes an SP “satisfactory progress” grade; an RS grade is required to move on to MATH 114 College Algebra.

Major Field Assessment

All students enrolled in associate and baccalaureate degree programs and teacher certification programs are required to participate in major field assessment as prescribed by their major.  Major field assessment activities will be completed during the fall and spring semesters. 

Final Exams

All courses must have a final examination activity. To determine your final exam schedule: find the final exam schedule on the DSU website and the time slot that corresponds with the weekly schedule for a class. The final for that class will be given in that time slot. PLEASE NOTE: Courses delivered other than face to face may schedule their final evaluation activity during the last, regularly scheduled class period or during finals week at the regular class time. Check the class syllabus to verify the time of the final exam.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs prepares the fall and spring final week schedule. The most current exam schedule is available to students in the semester schedule or through Enrollment Services on-line at http://dsu.edu/academics/academic-calendar.

No student will be required to participate in more than three evaluative activities on any one day of the final week. Permission to reschedule a final evaluative activity should be sought before mid-semester if at all possible. The student, after consulting with his/her advisor, should petition the dean(s) responsible for the course to be changed by completing the “Request to Change Final Week Schedule” form which is available in the Portal under Academic Forms. The dean(s) will coordinate and approve the necessary rescheduling.

Any changes or deviations in the schedule for an individual student must have advance approval of the dean in whose college the course is taught.

Grading Policy

The following letter symbols indicate the quality of student academic achievement (SD BOR Policy 2:10 https://www.sdbor.edu/policy/documents/2-10.pdf)

Grade Point Average Definition

The following grade point averages are calculated each academic term (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

Institutional GPA - based on credits earned at a specific Regental university. Utilized to determine if degree requirements have been met and to determine Honors Designation at graduation.

System Term GPA - based on credits earned at any of the six Regental universities within a given academic term (Fall, Spring, Summer). Utilized to determine minimum progression status.

Transfer GPA - based on credits earned and officially transferred from an accredited college or university outside the Regental system. When a letter grade that normally calculates into the grade point average exists for a non-academic course (e.g. credit earned via examination), if will be included in the transfer GPA.

Cumulative GPA - based on all credits earned by the student (transfer credit plus system credit). Utilized to determine minimum progression status and to determine if degree requirements have been met and to determine Honors Designation at graduation.

When a course has been repeated for credit, all attempts will be entered on the transcript but the last grade earned will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

Grade Point Average

Any course in which a grade of A, B, C, D, or F is earned is used to calculate the grade point average. Each grade is worth a specific number of honor points: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. The number of honor points earned for each class is computed by multiplying the points given for the letter grade by the hours of credit in the course. The total number of honor points earned is then divided by the total number of credit hours attempted (includes only those classes in which grades of A, B, C, D, F were earned). The result is the cumulative grade point average.

Example:

Grade Reports

Final grades will be reported for all students. Final grades are available to students on-line, generally one week after the end of the semester.  The students information remains current as long as the student is enrolled at any Regental institution. Students needing a record for employer reimbursement can print the unofficial transcript online.

Repeating a Course

A student may repeat any course to improve the course grade. A student is allowed a total of 3 takes for undergraduate courses (001-499) for which credit is counted toward graduation once. The student must petition the Vice President for Academic Affairs for permission to take an undergraduate course more than 3 times. The Audit (AU) grade is the only grade that does not count as a take of a course. All other grades, including withdrawal grades count as a take of a course (see BOR Policy 2:4). All completed courses remain on the student’s transcript but only the last grade earned will be counted in the cumulative grade point average (see BOR Policy 2:10). Please refer to BOR Policy 2:8 and BOR Policy 2:10 for additional information on grade point average calculations, academic amnesty and repeated enrollment in the same course.

Independent Study

Students interested in independent study must obtain permission to register for independent study coursework from the dean’s office. A syllabus for that particular offering must be approved by the dean of the college prior to the scheduled beginning of the offering.

Grade Appeal Process

It is the obligation of each instructor to inform students at the beginning of each course of the objectives, requirements, performance standards and evaluation procedures for the course. This information should be in writing and incorporated into the current syllabus for the course. (See Academic Integrity policy for issues dealing with academic dishonesty.)

If a student believes that the final grade assigned in a course was inappropriate, he/ she may appeal that grade by filing a formal grade appeal within 15 days of the start of the next academic session.* Appropriate grounds for a grade appeal include:

1. Assignment of a grade on some basis other than the student’s performance and participation in the course, or
2. Evaluation of his/her work, using more stringent or demanding criteria than were applied to other students in the class, or
3. A major departure from the instructor’s published or announced standards for assigning grades.

* Academic sessions include fall, spring and summer terms. Students who wish to challenge an action taken in a spring term must bring their challenge during the immediately following summer term if they enroll during summer; otherwise, they may bring their challenge in the following fall term.

To begin the appeal process, the student should detail his/her concerns in writing to the instructor and should request a meeting with the instructor to discuss the matter. The official Grade Appeal Form (found on the DSU web site or at the college office) should accompany the student’s letter to the instructor. This meeting between the instructor and the student should be scheduled as soon as possible after the written notice is received. It may be conducted in person, by phone, or via e-mail. The instructor should provide his/ her decision on the grade appeal to the student within two weeks of student’s letter to the instructor. The instructor’s decision should be provided in writing to the student and should be accompanied by the official Grade Appeal Form.

If the student feels the issue has not been resolved, he/she may ask the dean of the college offering the course to act as a mediator. This request for mediation must be made in writing to the dean within two weeks of the student’s notification by the instructor. The student’s written request for mediation should include copies of the original documentation provided to the instructor by the student, the signed Grade Appeal Form, the student’s written notification from the instructor, and any additional pertinent information.

The dean’s role in the grade appeal process is to mediate the matter in consultation with the instructor and the student. This mediation should occur as soon as possible after the written notice is received. The dean should summarize the outcome of this mediation for the student and the instructor within two weeks of the student’s written request to the dean. The dean’s summary should be provided in writing to the student and the instructor and should be accompanied by the official Grade Appeal Form.

If the student feels the issue has not been resolved, he/she may ask the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs to refer the issue to a review committee. This request must be made in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within two weeks of the student’s notification by the dean. The student’s written request for review should include copies of the original documentation provided to the instructor by the student, the signed Grade Appeal Form, the student’s written notification from the instructor, the student’s request to the dean and the dean’s notification to the student and the instructor. The Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs should appoint a committee of three faculty members and two students to review the appeal and make a recommendation for resolution of the issue to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee should reach a decision within two weeks of notification appointment. This decision should be provided in writing to the student and the instructor by the Vice President for Academic Affairs within 1 week of receipt from the committee.

Grade Deletion (Academic Amnesty)

This policy and its procedures implement SDBOR Policy 2:10. The goal of academic amnesty is to respond to the academic needs of matured individuals as they develop newly identified potential. Through the application of academic amnesty, the student’s prior academic record can be excluded from current work under certain conditions

To be eligible for Academic Amnesty, the student must:

• be an undergraduate, full-time or part-time, degree-seeking student at the University;
• not have been enrolled in any postsecondary institution for a minimum of three (3) consecutive terms (including only fall and/or spring terms) prior to the most recent admission to the home institution. Exceptions may be granted in rare cases only by the SDBOR Vice President for Academic Affairs upon recommendation by the University Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs;
• have completed a minimum of 12 graded credit hours taken at any SDBOR university with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 for the 12 credit hours after the most recent admission to the home institution;
• not have earned a baccalaureate degree from any university;
• not have been granted any prior academic amnesty at any SDBOR university;
• submit the Academic Amnesty Petition Form to the Records and Registration Office following the procedures established by the University.

Conditions:
• Academic amnesty does not apply to individual courses
• Academic amnesty may be requested for either (a) all previous post-secondary education
courses, or (b) all previous post-secondary education courses at a specific post-secondary
institution, or (c) a specified time period not to exceed one (1) academic year (Fall/Spring)
completed at any postsecondary institution(s).
• Academic amnesty, if granted, shall not be rescinded.
• Courses for which academic amnesty is granted will:

1. Remain on the student’s permanent record;
2. Be recorded on the student’s undergraduate transcript with the original grade followed by
an asterisk (*);
3. Not be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average because no credit is
given;
4. Not be used to satisfy any of the graduation requirements of the current degree program.

• Academic amnesty decisions will be made the student’s home institution, will be honored by
all programs within the home institution, and will be honored by all other institutions within
the SDBOR system.
• Universities outside of the SDBOR system are not bound by the academic amnesty decisions
made by the SDBOR system.
• SDBOR undergraduate programs and graduate professional schools may consider all
previous undergraduate course work when making admission decisions.

Students considering grade deletion are urged to discuss the process and ramifications with their academic advisers.

• The student completes the Academic Amnesty Petition Form (form is found online or at the Registrar’s office). Attach any letters, transcripts or documentation that would be pertinent to the petition.
• Student returns completed petition to the University’s Records and Registration Office for
review.
• If the student meets all the requirements for academic amnesty and approved, the student’s
academic record is adjusted per the guidelines above and a copy of the student’s updated
transcript is forwarded to the student and to the student’s adviser.
• If the student does not meet the requirements for academic amnesty, the student will be contacted
by the Records and Registration Office and notified of which requirements were not met.
• If a student is determined to not be eligible for academic amnesty due to not meeting the
requirement of not having been enrolled in any postsecondary institution for a minimum of three (3) consecutive terms (including only fall and/or spring terms) prior to the most recent admission
to the home institution an exception may be considered.

Transfer Credits

Academic courses completed for credit at institutions accredited by a regional association are acceptable for transfer.

1. Academic courses will be transferred as meeting graduation requirements if the courses parallel the scope and depth requirements for the degree or if the courses meet electives required for the degree. Credit will not be given for duplication of courses.
    
2. For the purposes of this policy, an accredited institution is a United States institution holding accreditation from a regional or national institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. 
    
3. Undergraduate courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.  When a university evaluates and accepts the transfer of undergraduate credit under the provisions of this policy these courses will be recorded and equivalencies granted using the following guidelines:
   A.  If there are specific undergraduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
   B.  If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (100 for Freshman, 200 for Sophomore, 300 for Junior and 400 for Senior).
   C.  If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN prefix and the appropriate course level (100 for Freshman, 200 for Sophomore, 300 for Junior and 400 for Senior).
    
4. Undergraduate transfer of academic courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities. 
   A.  All undergraduate transfer courses and all transfer grades (whether the grades are passing or not passing) must be recorded and an equivalency specified by the Regental university, calculated into grade point averages according to the Regental grade scheme, and recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
   B.  Remedial courses (as identified on the sending institution’s transcript) received in transfer are recorded, transcripted, and assigned an equivalency at the receiving university but do not calculate into grade point averages. 
   C.  Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system. (Refer to BOR 2:10, Use of Grade Point Averages). 
   D.  In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed. In subsequent evaluations, grades previously recorded cannot be changed.
   E.  The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
   F.  Orientation, Life Experience, General Educational Development Tests, and high school level courses are not recorded as transfer credit nor are they granted equivalent credit.
        1)  High school courses for which students received college credit will not be entered as transfer credit, or given equivalent credit, unless validated by and Advanced Placement or CLEP score that meets Board of Regents guidelines for acceptance of credit. The college credit is granted by a university with which the Board has a dual credit agreement or the college credit is granted by an institution accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
    
5. Undergraduate transfer of technical courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities
   1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
   2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but the grade earned at the technical institute is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages.
   3. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
   4. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
6. Graduate transfer courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities
   1. All graduate transfer courses and transfer grades judged to be acceptable by the evaluating university, are recorded and evaluated by the Regental university, calculated into grade point averages according to the Regental grade scheme, and recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
   2. If transfer credits are judged acceptable; these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
      1. If there are specific equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
      2. If there are no equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
         1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for masters programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
         2. If the academic discipline in not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for masters programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
   3. Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system.
   4. In subsequent evaluation, all equivalencies may be re-evaluated, inactivated, or changed. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated. In subsequent evaluations, grades previously recorded cannot be changed.
   5. The university-specific plan of study requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
7. Transfer courses received from accredited post-secondary technical institutes
   1. An academic course is defined as a course that is equivalent to a Regental general education requirement at the 100 or 200 level.
   2. A technical course is defined as a non-academic course that meets the technical program requirements for a diploma, certificate, or Associate of Applied Science degree.
   3. South Dakota Technical Institutes
      1. Transfer of academic courses from South Dakota post-secondary technical institutes is governed by BOR policies 2:25, 2:26, 2:27, 2:28, and 2:31.
         1. Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system.
         2. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed.
      2. Academic courses taken under articulation agreements in effect between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2005 will be transferred according to those agreements.
      3. Effective Fall 2005, transfer of technical course credit hours from South Dakota post-secondary technical institutes only occurs as part of a program to program articulation agreement approved by the Board of Regents and South Dakota Board of Education.
         1. The transfer of technical course credit hours occurs as a block of credit hours upon completion of requirements for the university articulated program.
         2. The CR grade is used for the block of technical course credit hours.
   4. Other Technical Institutes
      1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of academic courses. Academic courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
         1. When the academic courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript.
         2. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
         3. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the academic courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
      2. Transfer of technical course credit hours from non-South Dakota post-secondary technical institutes only occurs as part of a program to program articulation agreement approved by the Board of Regents.
         1. The transfer of technical course credit hours occurs as a block of credit hours upon completion of requirements for the university articulated program.
         2. The CR grade is used for the block of technical course credit hours.
8. Undergraduate and graduate credits received from United States colleges or universities that are not accredited.
   1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
   2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but the grade earned at the non-accredited institution is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages using the following guidelines:
      1. If there are specific equivalent courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
      2. If there are no equivalent courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
         1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for masters’ programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
         2. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for masters’ programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
   3. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
   4. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
9. Courses submitted in transfer from post-secondary technical institutes that are not accredited will not be accepted. 
    
10. Undergraduate and Graduate Courses from Post-secondary Institutions outside the United States
    1. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
    2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but the grade earned at the sending institution is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages using the following guidelines:
       1. If there are specific equivalent undergraduate or graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
       2. If there are no equivalent courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
          1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for masters’ programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
          2. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN prefix and the appropriate course level (500/6700 for masters’ programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
    3. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
    4. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
11. Credit Received Through Validation Methods
    1. Credit earned through validation methods other than nationally recognized examinations is limited to a maximum of 30 hours of credit for baccalaureate degrees and 15 hours of credit for associate degrees.
       1. Validation of Military credit is limited to an additional 30 hours of credit for baccalaureate degrees and an additional 15 hours of credit for associate degrees.
    2. Credit for college level courses granted through nationally recognized examinations such as CLEP, AP, DANTES, etc., will be evaluated and accepted for transfer if equivalent to Regental courses and the scores are consistent with Regental policies.  Such credits are only valid if transcripted by a university within five years of the student taking the examination.  Regental institutions shall honor credits from nationally recognized examinations transcripted to meet degree requirements at a non-Regental institution.
       1. If credit received through validation is applied as elective credit, it may only be applied at the 100 or 200 level.
       2. Credit received through validation may apply to System General Education Requirements and Institutional Graduation Requirements.
       3. Credit received through validation may not apply to writing intensive requirements.
    3. When validation credits are accepted, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but are not calculated into the grade point averages.
    4. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
    5. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the validation credits accepted also are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university.
12. When a course has been repeated for credit, all attempts will be entered on the transcript but the last grade earned will be used in the calculation of the grade point averages.
     
13. Total transfer credit for work at a junior, community college (2 year), and/or two-year technical college may not exceed one-half of the hours required for completion of the baccalaureate degree at the accepting institution. Students who have completed more than the acceptable semester hours of junior, community or technical college work may apply completed, transferable courses to specific course requirements and thereby may not be required to repeat the courses. The semester hours of credit for those additional courses may not be applied toward the minimum credit hours required for the degree.
     
14. System general education requirements successfully completed at the sending South Dakota Regental institution will be accepted towards meeting these requirements at the accepting South Dakota Regental institution. In any subsequent evaluation of any transfer or non-course work, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed.
     
15. Evaluations of courses will be made by the appropriate institutional officials at the time of admission by comparing descriptions, content, and level of courses completed with those at the accepting institution.
     
16. Each institution will develop and maintain a procedure for the appeal of transfer credit decisions.
     
17. A Regental internal transfer process occurs when an undergraduate course is used on a converted credit basis to meet graduate plan of study requirements at Regental universities or when graduate credit is used on a converted or actual credit basis to meet undergraduate degree requirements for a Regental accelerated program. Refer to BOR policy 2:8.3.A and 2:8.3.B.

Americans with Disabilities

It is the policy of Dakota State University to comply with all Federal and State requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other similar statutes and regulations. Further, and as a matter of policy, Dakota State University prohibits discrimination based on disability against otherwise qualified individuals from participation in the services, programs or activities of the University including employment practices. Any employee who is found to be in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of termination of employment.

Educational Programs and Services

Due to the numerous types of disabilities that can affect an individual’s potential for academic success, Dakota State University has an established procedure dealing with access to and participation in educational programs. These procedures provide the framework for decisions concerning reasonable accommodation when students with disabilities seek access to educational programs and request accommodation.

Educational Accommodation Procedures
See DSU’s Policy 01-02-00 for more information:  https://dsu.edu/root-files/01-02-00.pdf

Appealing Academic or Administrative Decisions

Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and university policy, student’s academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. It is DSU’s policy to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative and staff members and of institutional committees. If a student believes that a decision made by any of these individuals or committees was inappropriate or believes that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct, he/she may appeal that decision to the official who has supervisory responsibility for that individual or committee.

To begin the appeal process, the student should detail his/her concerns in writing to the appropriate official. This written statement should describe the specific act or acts which are the grounds for the appeal and should include all known information, relevant documents, names of any known witnesses, and relevant information, including a description of the appeal processes already exhausted relative to the decision.

If the student’s complaint is against a vice president, the formal appeal should be directed to the President, the highest level of procedural review within the institution.

Computing Privileges

The use of computers and related technologies, including all hardware and software is a privilege. The University’s concerning computing privileges can be found at https://dsu.edu/policies.html.

Drug-Free Environment

It is the policy of Dakota State University to create and maintain a work and study environment that is free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances.

Sexual Harassment - Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. The Title IX office assists students, faculty, staff, public visitors on campus, and potential/future employees.

At Dakota State University we strive to provide a safe environment free from the effects of harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Through sexual violence related programs and services, we continue to bring awareness on prevention, reporting, and resources to provide a safer community.

Our overall purpose, in collaboration with Student Affairs, is to provide programming aimed at educating and empowering our college community to be proactive in helping others, regardless of the situation.  See DSU’s website for more https://dsu.edu/title-ix/index.html.