Guidebook for Parents 2015–2016
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Office of the Registrar & Academic Services gratefully acknowledges the support and encouragement of the School of Mines community in putting together this guide for parents. Many offices and individuals provided information or allowed us to reprint this material from other brochures, photos, handbooks, and web pages. Cover photo: Proud parents Diana and Shane sit next to their Hardrocker sons Alex and Spencer, all sporting Rowdy Rocker gear during a family photo.
GUIDEBOOK FOR PARENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Table of Contents Message from the President South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Academic Calendar for 2015–16 Message from the Student Association President and Vice President Information for Parents and Families GET CONNECTED! Important Web Links for Your Information Special Events M Week 55th Annual Family Weekend Degrees Offered by the School of Mines Career & Professional Development Center Average Starting Salary Offers to School of Mines 2013–14 Graduates (BS Degrees) PARENT PRIMER ON ACADEMICS The Multi-Institutional System Credit by Validation Placement Tests WebAdvisor Transfer Credit Equivalency Database SDSM&T Academic Catalog Faculty Advisors for First-Year Undergraduate Students Academic Assistance Assistance for Students Undecided about Majors/Careers Starfish® EARLY ALERT Supplemental Instructions Class Attendance Final Exams Grades Dean’s List Academic Progress Honors Designation at Graduation STEM Scholarships
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Inside Front
1-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 10 10-11 12-13 12 13 14-15 16 17 18-30 18-19 19-20 20-21 21 21 22 22 23 23 24-25 25 26 26 26 27 28-29 29 29
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) PARENT PRIMER ON CAMPUS LIFE Mines Gold Card Living on Campus Residence Life Mission First-Year Undergraduate Student-Housing Options Community Living Learning Communities Mines Advantage Parking Tablet PC Program Overview Alcohol and Other Drugs Alcoholic Beverage/Drug Policy Students with Disabilities (ADA) Counseling Services Campus Ministries Campus Involvement Non-traditional Students Multicultural Affairs International Student Services; Study Abroad International Students Study Abroad Medical Issues Immunization Health Insurance Campus Safety and Security Campus Alert Systems/Everbridge速 Veterans Resource Center PARENT PRIMER ON FINANCES Financial Arrangements and Financial Aid Paying for books Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board Description of Fees University Support Fee General Activities Fee Special Discipline Course Fee Parking Fees Late Payment of Tuition Fees Student Health Insurance International Student Fee Tables of Estimated Costs and Fees
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30 31-42 31 32-34 32-33 33-34 33 34 34 35 35-36 36-37 37 38 39 40 40 41 41-42 42-43 42 43 43 43 44 44 45 45-46 47-54 47-49 49 49 50-51 50 50 50 50 51 51 51 51-54
Table 1: Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Rates Per Credit Hour Table 1 Notes Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance Table 2 Notes Table 2: Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance Per Year (On-Campus) Table 3: Residence Hall Charges—Semester Table 4: Miscellaneous Fees Food Service Fees Devereaux Library Information Technology Services The Rocker Shop Services/Divisions/Departments Academic Affairs (Enrollment Management): Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar & Academic Services Finance & Administration Accounting Student Accounts/Cashier Services Student Development/Dean of Students Student Health Service PARENT PRIMER ON EMPTY NEST SYNDROME Frequently Asked Questions Important Campus Contact Information
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51 51 52-54 52 53 54 54 55-57 58 59 60-62 63-71 63-67 68 68 68 69-71 71 72-73 74-79 80
Message from the President South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Dear Parents, Welcome to the School of Mines. I know this is a big step for you and for your son or daughter—a time of pride and hope, and also some anxiety. The School of Mines prepares leaders in science and engineering for the challenges of the coming century. The next four years will transform your child's life and open opportunities that, today, they may not even know exist. It takes hard work to do well here. There is no easy degree at Mines. We expect a lot because we know your child is capable of it. They wouldn't be here if they couldn't do the work. Our reputation for high expectations and solid curriculum pays off at graduation. Ninety-eight percent of the students who graduated May 2014 were admitted to graduate school or had a job waiting for them with an average starting salary of $63,358 a year. One of the factors bolstering our exceptional placement rate is relevant industry experience: 78 percent of our 2014 graduates participated in internships, co-ops, or undergraduate research. With the support of the citizens of South Dakota and the generous benefactors of our university, we are able to provide this great education at a price families can afford. Students graduating in the 2013-2014 academic year had an average Federal Student Loan debt of $26,561, and the School of Mines is consistently named among the top college investments in the nation. For some students, the transition to college can be difficult. You won't be here to guide and help as you have been in the
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past. Mines is a small university, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. Your son or daughter will be more independent than they have been in the past, but they are not alone. Each student matters to us, and we will get to know them as individuals. We want them to be happy and successful. While our students are serious about their studies, there is time for fun here, too, and plenty of interesting new things to try and people to get to know. Friendships made here will last a lifetime. We all want a better life for our children than we had ourselves. That's part of the American dream. Mines will give your son or daughter rigorous preparation in engineering and science and experience in leadership that is the solid foundation for a meaningful life. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious gift. We are honored to welcome them, and you, into the Hardrocker family. Warm Regards,
Heather Wilson President
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Academic Calendar Fall 2015 Classes begin August 24 Last day to add/drop courses and adjust fees September 3 Last day to submit a graduation application for fall 2015 September 3 Last day for pass/fail and audit options September 3 Labor Day holiday September 7 Native American Day holiday October 12 Midterm (first half of semester ends) October 16 Early registration (tentative) October 26–November 13 Last day to drop classes November 6 Veterans Day holiday November 11 Thanksgiving holiday begins at the end of class day November 24 Classes resume November 30 No class day December 9 Final examinations December 10–16 Semester ends December 16 This calendar conforms to guidelines established by the Board of Regents but is subject to change at their discretion.
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Academic Calendar Spring 2016 Classes begin January 11 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday January 18 Last day to add/drop courses and adjust fees January 20 Last day to submit graduation application for spring/summer 2016 January 20 Last day to pass/fail and to audit options January 20 Presidents Day holiday February 15 Spring Vacation begins at the end of class day March 4 Midterm (first half of semester ends) March 6 Classes resume March 14 Early registration (tentative) March 23–April 10 Easter break begins at end of class day March 24 Classes resume March 28 Last day to drop classes April 5 Final examinations May 2–May 6 Semester ends May 6 This calendar conforms to guidelines established by the Board of Regents but is subject to change at their discretion.
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Message from the Student Association President and Vice President Welcome to all reading this guidebook! We share in your sons’ and daughters’ excitement in their decision to attend this outstanding university of engineering and science. The School of Mines has many great opportunities to help provide a fun and educational experience. With many student organizations including Greek life, professional societies, and degree-specific project teams, students at the School of Mines can be a part of groups of young men and women dedicated to developing themselves as professionals and individuals. We are proud of our long-standing traditions, from the M Hill climb to Paint the Town. The Student Association (SA) is here to help new students transition into college life and provide sustained support for students throughout their college experiences. As the voice of the student body, SA has the unique ability to speak with the administration and state representatives on issues pertaining to students. We genuinely care about each student and always look out for each individual’s best interests. Thank you for your support as a family member of a Mines student. We look forward to seeing you during orientation and annual Family Weekend.
Claire Peavey SA President
Rohit Dulal SA Vice President
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Left to right: Rohit Dulal and Claire Peavey
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INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES GET CONNECTED! Mines Family Parent Resources is your one-stop source for upcoming campus events, hot topics, newsletters, scholarship information, and more! Remember to subscribe to the Mines Family Mailing List. You will receive the latest campus news, and information on student activities and gain access to university publications. Visit our web pages at:
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Parent-Resources/.
If you have questions or comments about parent support services, contact the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students, Patricia (Pat) Mahon, PhD, or Administrative Assistant, Coral Selken by calling (605) 394-2416.
Important Web Links for Your Information Listed below are important web links for your information. Many of these links are provided due to student right-to-know federal legislation. Others are listed because of their importance in regard to the policies of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the South Dakota Board of Regents. Please direct any questions to the Office of the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students in the Surbeck Center at or call (605) 394-2416. All of the following web links are listed on the School of Mines website. FERPA http://www.sdsmt.edu/Academics/Registrar/FERPA/FERPA-Information/ Anti-Harassment Policy http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/policies/antiharassment Student Code of Conduct http://studentconduct.sdsmt.edu/ Employee-Employee and Faculty-Student Consensual Relationships http://www.sdbor.edu/policy/1-Governance/documents/1-23.pdf South Dakota Board of Regents Policies http://www.sdbor.edu/policy/policymanual.htm
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Registered Sex Offenders https://sor.sd.gov/default.aspx?c=search South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Policies http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt/policies Safety, includes the Campus Crime Report http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-Resources/Student-Conduct/Campus-Crimeand-Fire-Statistics/ Student Health Insurance Information http://myhealth.sdbor.edu/ http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-Services/Health-and-Safety/
The O’Harra Building (left) houses SDSM&T Administration offices, Admissions, Registrar & Academic Services, and Financial Aid, as well as Human Resources, Budget & Finance, and the SDSM&T Museum of Geology.
The Surbeck Center (right) is the hub for Student Development. Students can find the Vice President for Student Development/ Dean of Students’ office, Career & Professional Development Center, Student Activities & Leadership, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Ivanhoe International Center, Veterans Resource Center, and Residence Life office as well as the Rocker Shop, Student Accounts/Cashier, and Dining Services in Surbeck.
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Special Events M Week September 27–October 4, 2015 Thursday, October 1
Friday, October 2
Saturday, October 3
7 pm Coronation and Bonfire Surbeck Ballroom and Parking Lot
Noon Walk to M Hill, Picnic, and Traditional Hill Climb Founders’ Park West Omaha Street
3 pm M Day Parade Downtown Rapid City 6 pm Football Game Hardrockers vs. Humboldt State
Visit the School of Mines during M Week! School of Mines students carry on many of the traditions that began more than 90 years ago, such as climbing M Hill on Friday and white washing the gigantic concrete “M” at its crest. Students, faculty, staff, family, and friends picnic at the base of M Hill and cheer on first-year students as they arrive. Memories are made this week at the coronation and bonfire. The week-long celebration ends on Saturday with a parade and afternoon football game.
Students continue the Mines tradition of white washing gigantic concrete letters on M Hill during the SDSM&T M Week celebration. Visit the Devereaux Library to learn more about Mines history and traditions.
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55th Annual Family Weekend Friday & Saturday October 30–31, 2015 Family Weekend is an excellent time to visit your student and meet faculty, staff, and other parents, and to see firsthand the many aspects of campus life. You are cordially invited to attend, and unless specified, there is no need to RSVP—just come! A schedule of events will be posted on the Mines Family webpage.
Left to right: Shane & Diana Ferguson, proud parents of SDSM&T graduates, Spencer and Alex. Spencer Ferguson, 2014 graduate, Civil & Environmental Engineering, employed with Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Missouri. Alex Ferguson, 2011 graduate, Mining Engineering, field engineer for Kiewit, Arlington, Virginia.
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DEGREES OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL OF MINES The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology specializes in science, technology, and engineering curricula. Our students enter with the highest ACT® score averages in the state, and more than half graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school classes. Of the School of Mines 2013–14 graduates, 98 percent are working in their career fields or pursuing graduate or professional degrees. The table on page 17 lists the average starting salaries for our 2013–14 graduates (BS degrees) reported as of May 2015. We are proud of our reputation of being one of the finest universities in the country. The university offers ten engineering and seven science undergraduate degrees along with one associate’s degree. It also offers fifteen master’s degrees and nine doctor of philosophy degree programs. The associate’s degree curriculum requires 60 hours of credit for graduation. Each undergraduate engineering curriculum requires 130 hours of credit for graduation, and each undergraduate science curriculum requires 120 hours of credit.
Associate of Arts Degrees General Studies
Bachelor Degrees Applied Biological Sciences Chemical Engineering Chemistry Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering (not open to new students) Geological Engineering
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Geology Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management Interdisciplinary Sciences (areas of specialization) —Atmospheric Sciences —Pre-Professional Health Sciences —Science, Technology & Society Mathematics (Applied & Computational) Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Mining Engineering Physics
Masters Degrees Applied Biological Sciences Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Computational Sciences & Robotics Construction Management Electrical Engineering Engineering Management Geology & Geological Engineering Materials Engineering & Science Mechanical Engineering Mining Engineering & Management Paleontology Physics
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences Biomedical Engineering Chemical & Biological Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Geology & Geological Engineering Materials Engineering & Science Mechanical Engineering Nanoscience & Nanoengineering Physics
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Career & Professional Development Center The Career & Professional Development Center assists students with career and professional development and securing full-time, summer internships and co-operative education (co-op) employment opportunities. All students— from first-year undergraduates to graduate students—are encouraged to participate in the professional development workshops offered by the Career & Professional Development Center and attend the School of Mines Career Fair held each fall and spring. For additional information, visit
http://careers.sdsmt.edu/.
Our Graduates = Great Jobs + Great Salaries! 98 percent = Placement Rate for 2013–14 graduates $63,358 = Average Starting Salary Offer for 2013-14 graduates 78 percent = 2013–14 Graduates with Intern or Co-op Experience
Darrell Sawyer, EdD, Assistant VP for Student Development, works individually with students to maximize their career opportunities.
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AVERAGE STARTING SALARY OFFERS TO SCHOOL OF MINES 2013–14 GRADUATES (BS Degrees)
Applied Biological Sciences Chemical Engineering Chemistry Civil Engineering Computer Engineering
AVERAGE SALARY OFFER ** $66,971 ** $50,783 $69,286
Computer Science Electrical Engineering Geology Geological Engineering Industrial Engineering
$65,571 $64,556 $73,000* $65,376 $62,568
Interdisciplinary Science Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering
$42,900* $40,000* $63,350 $64,750*
Mining Engineering Physics
$68,039 $66,250*
SDSM&T Overall
$63,358
MAJOR
*Average based on less than five offers **Pursuing graduate degrees or no salary offers reported
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PARENT PRIMER ON ACADEMICS The Multi-Institutional System South Dakota Public Higher Education is a multiinstitutional system with a student-centered focus. As more students took advantage of technological advances to further their education, the Board of Regents (BOR) saw a need for the state institutions to collaborate to advance higher education in South Dakota, and that high-quality, consistent, and accessible data was needed to manage the system. The result was “an integrated statewide approach that provides quality and convenience of services to all students across the state, whether the student is single-campus, multi-campus, online, or offcampus. This also includes enabling faculty and staff with the information needed to serve students across the university system accurately and productively.”* The main characteristics of the multi-institutional system are: Universities that have separate identities but function in a collaborative manner as a system Universities that collectively provide quality higher education in South Dakota to qualified students anytime, anywhere Each student is identified with a home institution but is considered a system student who may utilize courses and services on other campuses Efficient, flexible, and effective systems that serve a diverse student population with varying needs Students, faculty, and staff have single-source information available that reflects the total activity of a student in the higher education system. The multi-institutional system is achieving its goal of outstanding student service to all students, no matter how they
*Source: South Dakota Board of Regents newsletter, July 1, 2002, Volume 1, Issue 2.
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are engaged in a South Dakota university education. For more information on the multi-institutional system, call the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services at (605) 394-2400.
Credit by Validation The South Dakota Board of Regents and its universities encourage students to take advantage of opportunities available to them to earn college credit. These opportunities include credit by validation, such as Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Credit by University Examination, International Baccalaureate Credit (IB), and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) credits.
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.
Validation of military credits is limited to an additional 30 hours of credit for baccalaureate degrees and an additional 15 hours of credit for associate degrees.
Credit for college-level courses granted through nationally recognized examinations such as CLEP, AP, DANTES, IB, and others will be evaluated and accepted for transfer if equivalent to Regental courses and the scores are consistent with Regental policies.
When validation credits are accepted, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript with a grade of “EX” but are not calculated into the grade point averages.
The university-specific degree requirements determine if the validation credits accepted are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university.
Specific information about credit by validation opportunities may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services by e-mail at aesinfo@sdsmt.edu or by calling
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(605) 394-2400. Additional information about scheduling an appointment to take the CLEP or AP exams may be obtained by contacting the Ivanhoe International Center by e-mail at Ivanhoe@sdsmt.edu or by calling (605) 394-6884.
Placement Tests Before students are registered for their first semester courses, they may be required to take placement tests for math and English depending on their ACT® scores. These placement tests are diagnostic exams designed to assess the readiness of students to enroll in certain levels of courses in these subjects. The exams place the students in the most appropriate courses according to their academic preparation for successful completion of the course. Students may only register for the appropriate level of courses as indicated by their ACT or placement scores. English and math course placement is first based on ACT subscores. If students are satisfied with their placement based on those scores, they do not have to take the COMPASS ® exams that cover math and English skills. However, students whose ACT math subscores are greater than 24 must take the COMPASS Math Test to demonstrate they are ready for trigonometry or calculus. Students who have not taken the ACT exam within the past five years or have not provided their ACT or SAT® scores to the university are required to take the COMPASS exams before classes begin. These exams are administered at no charge when taken at SDSM&T. However, students testing at other test sites are charged according to that site’s fee requirement. Students who are not satisfied with their placement based on ACT scores may challenge the ACT scores by taking the COMPASS exams. The COMPASS scores may allow them to enroll in higher-level courses than their ACT scores indicate. In that case, placement is based on the COMPASS scores. Students who wish to challenge the ACT scores will be charged $17 for the COMPASS placement challenge exam if taken at SDSM&T. The Office of the Registrar & Academic Services administers the COMPASS exams.
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If students do not do well on one or more of the placement exams, they may study and review and take the exam again (one time) when they arrive for the fall semester or make an appointment to take the exam before the semester begins. Experience has shown that without additional review, it is unlikely that the placement result will dramatically change.
WebAdvisor All students at SDSM&T have a WebAdvisor account. WebAdvisor is the web interface to the statewide Board of Regents student database. It is the tool that allows a student to register for classes, view their schedules, drop and add classes, check their grades, pay their tuition and fees, accept or reject their financial aid awards, print an unofficial transcript, and more. Students first receive information on their WebAdvisor account in their acceptance letter.
Transfer Credit Equivalency Database Official transfer credit evaluation is made by the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services in consultation with the head of the academic department in which the applicant intends to major. However, to get a preliminary estimate of the previous credits students have earned that will transfer to SDSM&T, we provide this online transfer credit equivalency calculator. We evaluate courses on an individual student basis. If students cannot find a university or a course listed in this database, it is because we have not had transfer work from that university or have never evaluated that specific course. To find the database, use this URL https://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/cgi-
/global/eq_search_courses.cgi.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services at (605) 394-2400 or e-mail us at aesinfo@sdsmt.edu.
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SDSM&T Academic Catalog The academic catalog is the official source of information for the university’s undergraduate and graduate academic programs, courses, policies, degree requirements, and procedures. The current SDSM&T online academic catalog can be found at http://ecatalog.sdsmt.edu/. Mobile access to SDSM&T’s online catalog through your smartphone or iPhone is available at m.ecatalog.sdsmt.edu.
Faculty Advisors for First-Year Undergraduate Students First-year undergraduate advisors are departmentdesignated faculty members who are assigned to work with first-year undergraduate students. They can be valuable support for first-year students. Advisors are available to their advisees to discuss their fall courses through designated office hours. It is strongly recommended that first-year undergraduate students seek additional and regular individual contact with their advisors at the beginning of their first semester. By utilizing advisor support early in the semester, students may avoid potential mishaps that might impact their academic success. Advisors can guide students in making decisions concerning their academic careers to avoid wasting both time and money. They can make recommendations on course selections and provide advice and tips on how to succeed in academically challenging courses. Advisors help students with academic issues and may refer them to support services such as tutoring, counseling, or disability assistance. Whether an advisor remains with a student beyond the first academic year depends on the student’s major department. In some departments, first-year undergraduates shift to another advisor in the student’s major, as the student transitions beyond the first-year. These later advisors provide guidance regarding co-ops, internships, and career development. In other departments, students keep the same advisor throughout their undergraduate years. If your student needs information on reaching their advisor, contact RAS by calling (605) 394-2400.
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Academic Assistance For students experiencing difficulty in courses, there are options for receiving additional assistance. All professors maintain office hours, which can be used by students for help with their coursework. In addition, the School of Mines has a tutoring center, the Tech Learning Center (TLC), which provides tutoring services free-of-charge to School of Mines students. The main focus of TLC tutoring is math, science, and English core subjects at the 100 and 200 levels. However, TLC tutors are often qualified to tutor a variety of subjects and levels. Currently, upper-level students provide tutoring in the TLC seven days a week during the academic year and on a limited schedule during summer terms. This assistance is often all that is needed to help students adjust to their college-level curricula and achieve their educational goals. Visit the TLC webpages at http://www.sdsmt.edu/Academics/Registrar/Tutoring/. Faculty advisors are excellent resources to help students navigate academic challenges. Students are also encouraged to visit their instructors for extra guidance in difficult courses. Both advisors and instructors have designated office hours. For students with documented learning and physical disabilities, the Assistive Technologies (ADA) Lab is available through the Office of Counseling & ADA Services or by contacting the Office of the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students at (605) 394-2416.
Assistance for Students Undecided about Majors/Careers Students undecided about their major and career direction can explore their options by contacting the Career & Professional Development Center at (605) 394–2667. This office can offer advice for choosing a major and provides career counseling services.
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Starfish® EARLY ALERT Starfish EARLY ALERT is an early warning and studenttracking system that takes a holistic approach to student support rather than concentrating solely on students with classic at-risk characteristics. Starfish relies on reporting by the campus community to identify students who need additional academic and personal support to succeed academically. An Academic Status Survey is sent to each class instructor at three and eight weeks to solicit input to reach out to struggling students. At other times, “flags” can be raised by instructors to let students know that they may need additional support in the course. Students will then be contacted in order to connect them to the appropriate individual who can assist with the concern. Program advisors, student-support staff, and directors will be among those contacted by Starfish when a student is “flagged.” In addition, instructors and student-support leaders can send “to do” recommendations to students, referrals to connect students to support services, and kudos notices to congratulate selected students on their academic success. Starfish flags and kudos are simply notifications. They do not indicate grades and are not permanent records. Student advisors, program leaders, and other related roles have access to the flags that were raised on these students through Starfish and can also reach out to students. Through Starfish, all faculty members are asked to make note of academic concerns such as: excessive absences, low test or quiz scores, unsatisfactory coursework performance, and other general concerns. As previously noted, kudos will also be available to congratulate students on their academic performance. Once a flag is raised, the student will receive a personal e-mail from retention services detailing resources the student may find helpful. Staff manages the majority of Starfish flags and coordinates support efforts for students. They are available to meet with students to strategize a plan for success and triage their concerns by routing them to resources on campus that are crucial for their academic success. An advantage of Starfish is that the campus is able to reach out to students who are struggling but may not know where to turn for help. Reaching out to these students can mean
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e-mailing them or meeting with them to refer their concerns to resources on campus. Once a student's concern has been addressed, faculty and staff will be able to "clear the flag" in Starfish so that the student's support network knows they have been taken care of. Starfish also facilitates meaningful contact between students and their advisors, instructors, and tutors. They will be able to utilize online scheduling for office hours and appointments, promote support and resources to help students, and ensure that students know when they are perceived as deficient in a class.
Supplemental Instruction Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a nationally recognized academic support program offering free, regularly scheduled study sessions for selected/difficult 100-level courses. Instruction sessions are facilitated by SI Leaders— undergraduate students who have previously taken the course and demonstrated academic competency in the subject area. Two to three fifty-minute sessions are held each week in select fundamental math and chemistry classes: Participation is voluntary, free of charge, and open to all students in the course SI Leaders attend all lectures for the targeted course SI Leaders are trained in group facilitation methods and general learning techniques The SI program is supervised by a trained professional staff member The program is only offered in courses in which the academic department supports SI SI sessions begin the second week of each semester SI Leaders facilitate and encourage the group to process the material rather than act as authority figures who lecture to participants on subject content Students who would like to use supplemental instruction in chemistry and/or math, can contact Michael Gunn,PhD, vice provost, at (605) 394-5127.
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Class Attendance Every student is expected to attend every scheduled lecture or laboratory session. Personal emergencies should be handled immediately by the student by informing and seeking guidance from the instructor.
Final Exams Final exams are required in most courses. It is highly recommended that students DO NOT make vacation or semester break travel plans or reservations until after they know their final exam schedule. Fall 2015 final exams are scheduled for December 10–16. Spring 2016 final exams will be May 2–6. Final exam schedules are also available at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Academics/Registrar/Exams-andTesting/Final-Exams/.
Grades A student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is calculated using honor grade point values: A = 4.00, B = 3.00, C = 2.00, D = 1.00, and F = 0.00. These values are multiplied by the credit hours of the course. The resulting honor points for each course are added, and the sum is divided by the total number of credit hours the student is enrolled in for the semester. Neutral grades of I, IP, AU, W, and P are not calculated in the student’s CGPA. Undergraduate students may attempt a course up to three times. Only the most recent grade for a course is calculated into the CGPA. All grades for each attempt of a course remain on the transcript.
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Dean’s List Undergraduate students may be designated for the Dean’s List at the end of the fall and spring terms. The Dean’s List designation is determined by the home university and is based on a student’s total course registration for academic credit for the term from any Regental university. The Dean’s List designation does not appear on the transcript. To be awarded Dean’s List designation, full-time undergraduate students must meet the following guidelines: a. Students must have earned a minimum of 12 credit hours in courses numbered 100–699 during the term. b. Students must achieve a system term GPA of at least 3.50. c. Students with F, I, U, RI, or RU grades are not eligible regardless of System Term GPA attained. To be awarded Dean’s List designation, part-time undergraduate students must meet the following guidelines: a. Students must have completed at least 12 credit hours prior to the current semester at one or more Regental institutions. b. Students must have earned at least 3 and up to 11 credit hours of 100-699 level courses during the term. c. Students must achieve a system term GPA of at least 3.50. d. Students with F, I, U, RI, or RU grades are not eligible regardless of System Term GPA attained.
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Academic Progress Minimum Progression Standards Class
Credit Hours
GPA Standard
first-year undergraduate
0-29.99
2.00
sophomore
30.00-59.99
2.00
junior
60.00-89.99
2.00
senior
90.00+
2.00
Minimum progression standards and related actions are based on the student’s cumulative grade point average and system term grade point average. A student with a CGPA of 2.00 or better is considered to be in good academic standing. If a student’s CGPA falls below 2.00 in any academic term (i.e., fall, spring, summer), the student is placed on academic probation. When a student on academic probation achieves a CGPA of 2.00 or better, the student is returned to good academic standing. A student on academic probation who fails to maintain a system term grade point average of 2.00 or better is placed on academic suspension for a minimum period of two academic terms. Students on academic suspension will not be allowed to register for any course 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. Only academic suspension will be entered on the student’s transcript. Academic probation will be noted in the internal academic record only. School of Mines students with extenuating circumstances beyond their control may appeal the suspension to the Academic Appeals Committee. In addition to the minimum progression standards mentioned, in order to remain eligible for federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study), students must also successfully
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complete at least 67 percent of the work they attempt. For example, a student who attempts 30 credit hours for the academic year, but successfully completes only 19 credit hours, would not meet the minimum successful completion standard (19/30 = 63 percent). For further information, students should carefully review the School of Mines Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards at http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/finaid/SAP.
Honors Designation at Graduation The institution granting the degree determines the honors designation for its graduates. To earn an honor designation from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology at graduation, the student must meet both the following cumulative and institutional GPAs. Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude
equal to or greater than 3.90 equal to or greater than 3.70 and less than 3.90 equal to or greater than 3.50 and less than 3.70
A baccalaureate-level graduate must have completed a minimum of sixty credit hours at the institution granting the degree. Courses that are part of a formal collaborative agreement among Regental universities are considered to be earned from the institution granting the degree. An associate-level graduate must have completed a minimum of thirty credit hours at the institution granting the degree. Courses that are part of a formal collaborative agreement among Regental universities are considered to be earned from the institution granting the degree.
STEM Scholarships For help with applying for external scholarships, contact Catherine (Cathy) Payne at Catherine.Payne@sdsmt.edu or visit the STEM scholarship website at
http://interact.sdsmt.edu/scholarship/list/results_page.asp.
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) Final grades are available to students at the end of each semester via WebAdvisor, a web-based registration and information tool. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, known as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment, prohibits the release of personally identifiable education information to anyone but the student, except under certain circumstances. The goal of FERPA is to protect the student’s rights. Parents of students may have access to grades and other confidential academic information if the School of Mines has the written consent of the student, or if the latest tax return filed by a parent shows that the student is a dependent, as defined under Section 152 of the federal income tax code. For questions concerning the policy, please contact the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services at (605) 394-2400.
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PARENT PRIMER ON CAMPUS LIFE Mines Gold Card The multipurpose Mines Gold Card functions as your student’s ID card, library card, meal card, door access card, and “Grubby Gold” account. As a student ID, the Mines Gold Card provides access to athletic events, the Wellness Center, health services, and student activities such as plays and concerts. As a library card, it allows your student to utilize the resources in the library and check out books and other materials. As a meal card, your student can present it at the Hardrocker Dining Hall, Miner’s Shack, or Einstein Bros Bagels and deduct the purchases from his or her dining account. (In a meal plan, Dining Dollars can only be used at on-campus dining locations.) As a door access card, it provides your student entry into his or her assigned residence hall, Surbeck Center, and other campus buildings. The Mines Bookstore customer loyalty program, Rocker Rewards, is also a feature of the Mines Gold Card. In addition to all of the above, the Mines Gold Card can act as a debit card utilizing “Grubby Gold.” Students and parents can load money on the card (online or at the cashier’s office) and then use the card at on-campus and off-campus Grubby Gold locations! Current on-campus Grubby Gold locations include: laundry machines, vending machines, copy machines, the Rocker Shop, and all dining locations. Off-campus locations include: Hard Rockin’ Gas & Convenience Store, Philly Ted’s, Sumo Japanese Kitchen, Subway–St. Patrick Street, and Pauly’s Pizza. For more information or to make online deposits, visit Residence Life at http://reslife.sdsmt.edu and click on “Resources.”
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Living on Campus Residence Life Mission: Residence Life seeks to provide a safe environment that encourages learning and personal growth in an inclusive community that empowers and challenges our residents. We continually strive to improve our services to meet the needs of our students and reflect the high standards of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) Housing Policy states
“During the first two years from the time they were or would have been graduated from high school, all unmarried students who enroll in courses delivered on a main campus for six credit hours or more are required to enter into a housing agreement with the institution unless special permission to room or dine elsewhere is received from the institution. Permission ordinarily shall be granted to students with dependent children, to students who reside full time during the academic year with parents or legal guardians or students enrolled primarily at off-campus locations. Students who have enrolled for twelve or more credits for four semesters may be exempted from this agreement at the discretion of the institution...”
All students who have graduated from high school in the past two years must either live on campus or complete an Exemption Request Form to ensure compliance with the BOR Housing Policy. Housing applications and the Exemption Request Forms are both available online using the following link: http://reslife.sdsmt.edu. The safety and security of the residents living on campus are of prime concern to the university. Several key strategies help with this endeavor: Professional staff who live on campus Student staff (Resident Assistants or RAs) who live on each floor
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Residence hall entrances that are closed and locked at all times Educational programs that help residents understand the role they play in the safety and security of the building Residence Life staff work with residents to help build a support system for students providing information, assistance, guidance, and facilitating healthy peer interactions. They are also familiar with campus policies and are able to assist with policy violations and emergencies. Each building has an on-site hall director who lives and works within the residence hall. Hall directors are full-time staff with backgrounds in higher education and counseling. They assist in solving problems that may arise and supervise the resident assistants (RAs). As first-year students transition into college life, RAs assist them within the residence halls with social and academic needs. They have conversations with first-year undergraduate students on at least a monthly basis to discuss individual circumstances and assist as needed on a personal level. Residents are held accountable by the institution for their actions. Residence hall policies are outlined in the Residence Life Handbook at http://reslife.sdsmt.edu. Click on “Handbook.”
First-Year Undergraduate Student-Housing Options New first-year undergraduate residents have two types of housing during their first year on campus. More information on these options is available at the Residence Life website. Community Living: Located in Connolly and Palmerton Halls, Community Living provides strong community development through a variety of programs, events, and meetings with the resident assistant. Community living in Connolly and Palmerton provides a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for all students to enjoy.
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Learning Communities: SDSM&T offers four learning communities: Women in STEM, Outdoor Pursuits, Service First, and Exploring Rapid City (and beyond). Learning Communities provide programs, events, and activities around their specific theme, allowing students with a common interest to explore together.
Mines Advantage In today’s highly competitive job market employers are looking beyond technical skills to identify the leaders of tomorrow. Mines Advantage is a professional development program that prepares students to meet this challenge by giving them the tools and skills employers are seeking through realworld experiences. A program of distinction, Mines Advantage fosters “personal development on a professional level,” combining the classroom’s technical expertise with a wide variety of professional development experiences in six areas of competency. Students completing the Mines Advantage program will have thirty different experiences ranging from leadership training to civic engagement. Mines Advantage equips our students to be more than just successful in the work place; it prepares them to become the future leaders of industry and pillars of their respective communities.
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentServices/Mines-Advantage/
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Parking Everyone parking on campus is required to have a permit. Parking permit registration must be done online at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Services/Facilities/CampusParking/. On the webpage, click “Parking Registration Form” under “Quick Links.” Registration opens July 1, 2015.
Students should match the color of their permit with the color of the signs at designated lots on campus. Students are urged to read the parking information provided to them at the time of purchase. More information about parking fees can be found in this guidebook under the Primer on Finance section, in the paragraphs under Parking Fees and the Miscellaneous Fees table (pages 53 and 54).
Tablet PC Program Overview The Tablet PC Program will continue this fall with first-year undergraduate, transfer, and readmitted students.
The program is mandatory for all incoming first-year undergraduate students. The Tablet PC can be utilized in general education courses. Financial aid can be used to pay for the program. The hardware is a convertible Tablet PC. These machines are laptops that are fully functional as a laptop but also have a pen and touch-sensitive screen that allows students to write on the screen as if it is a piece of paper. This allows students to take notes in class in their own handwriting, to highlight lectures from their faculty, and provides many other test taking functions that are not available with a basic laptop. The Tablet PC has built-in wireless capabilities, making any classroom on campus a computer lab. The Tablet PC is available via a tax-exempt lease and is the property of the university until the lease expires. This gives the School of Mines the right to install any site-licensed departmental software. If students use other laptops, they will not be able to install most of the School of Mines site-licensed software and will not be able to connect to the state network with ease.
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The cost of the program is $406.50 per semester for the 2015-16 academic year. When the laptop is four years old, it will be replaced with a new machine. Returned laptops less than four years old and in good working order will continue to be used in the program. This equipment will be issued to transfer students and students returning after an absence to keep the program synchronized as much as possible. The student fee covers the cost of the Tablet PC, a laptop backpack, an extra battery, four-year replacement upgrades, and hardware/software support for the tablet program. It also covers the cost of basic software installed on each machine: Windows, Microsoft Office, anti-virus software, Maple mathematics software, etc. All service on the machines is performed on campus. The tablets have a four-year no-fault warranty, which covers all maintenance costs. However, a small charge may be assessed to students who have misused or abused their machines. Students are responsible for backing up their own data. If there are any software issues with their laptops that cannot be resolved in a short amount of time, their hard drive will be replaced with a newly imaged hard drive to solve any software issues. A limited loaner program has been established, and tablets are available through Tablet Central in the basement of the Devereaux Library for two-hour increments at a cost of $5. Information about the Tablet PC program can be found by visiting http://www.sdsmt.edu/its/tablet-program/.
Alcohol and Other Drugs The Campuses Community Wellness Coalition (CCWC) includes representatives from the community and four colleges: National American University, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Western Dakota Technical Institute, and the He Sapa Center of Oglala Lakota College. Its mission is to promote healthy choices by young adults (ages 18 to 24).
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The CCWC works with others on campus and in the community to educate students about high-risk behavior. The campus provides a wide range of educational and counseling programs to help students make healthy choices.
Alcoholic Beverage/Drug Policy The School of Mines and the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) 4:27 Drug Free Environment are committed to providing a drug-free workplace. With the exception of policy 4:27:E 1-11, policy strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, possession, procurement, contributing to a minor, and consumption or use of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by students and employees on any property controlled by the School of Mines and in connection with any institutionally sponsored activity. Furthermore, the School of Mines prohibits the possession of empty bottles, cans, wine boxes, or other containers that originally contained alcoholic beverages and being in the presence of alcohol or other drugs on campus proper or in the residence halls. BOR alcohol and other drug policy violations are cumulative throughout a student’s enrollment at South Dakota Board of Regents institutions (they stay on the student’s discipline record and are transferable). This policy does not replace nor restrict the student discipline code as established by the South Dakota Board of Regents (3.4.2.B.16).
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Students with Disabilities (ADA) The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects any person with a “physical or mental impairment” that “substantially limits one or more major life activities.” This includes but is not limited to persons with mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mental or psychological disabilities. Students wanting to claim protection under ADA law should contact the ADA Coordinator, Megan Reder-Schopp located in the Dean of Students office at (605) 394-2416. Arrangements to receive ADA services should be made as soon as possible upon admission to SDSM&T, but disability services can be made at any point in the semester. SDSM&T does not provide assessment of medical, neurological, or psychological disabilities, but can refer students to the appropriate qualified specialists. At the School of Mines, students are asked to provide medical documentation from a qualified professional, which defines the student’s abilities and limitations and includes recommended accommodations. It is also helpful to provide records of any previous accommodations [e.g., Individualized Education Program (IEP) from high school]. Instructors must demonstrate flexibility and consider alternative forms of delivering instruction, testing, and carrying out class assignments to the extent that such alterations do not “fundamentally alter the program or course.” The ADA office can assist in providing some forms of accommodation: reduced distraction rooms, adaptive equipment, proctoring extended time on exams, getting digital texts, and referrals to outside sources. South Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation can be a useful source of help for some disabled students. More information and ADA forms are available at: http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-
Support/Disability-Services/.
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Counseling Services Counseling services are available at no cost to all School of Mines students. Professional counseling staff is available in the Surbeck Center’s counseling office. Short-term counseling and referrals for campus and community resources are available. The Counseling office is open during regular business hours with additional service times available upon request. Counseling services help students with an extensive range of issues including: Academic Problems Relationship Issues Sexual Assault Recovery Grief Depression/Anxiety Suicide Most SDSM&T faculty and staff members have participated in suicide prevention training provided by the counseling staff. While not clinically trained, faculty and staff are encouraged to be sensitive to the myriad of issues that students face and to make referrals to the counseling office when necessary. Extreme changes in behavior, such as heavy alcohol use or missing classes, are the most common reasons for making a referral to the counseling office. Students who are talking about harming themselves or making plans to kill themselves by giving away possessions should be referred directly to counseling services. The counseling center is also active in promoting wellness and personal development as a core principle of the Mines Advantage program. Counseling staff host programs on bystander intervention to teach students how to effectively combat dating violence. There are also programs given on time management, test anxiety, suicide prevention, and living well in college. The SDSM&T counseling staff is committed to building student resiliency through programs that encourage personal growth. More information about wellness and the Counseling Department is available at: http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-
Life/Student-Support/Counseling/.
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Campus Ministries Campus Ministries at the School of Mines provide students with a variety of services geared toward meeting both material and spiritual needs. Ministries include Lutheran Campus Ministry, the Catholic Newman Community, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, International Students Inc., Muslim Student Association, and United Campus Ministry. Each group provides spiritual teaching in a variety of ways and sponsors a food pantry and other student-help programs. Although campus ministries represent a variety of theological and denominational backgrounds, they collaborate in order to better serve all students. Contact information for any campus ministry is available at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentSupport/Pastoral-Counseling-and-Care/.
Campus Involvement Although the curriculum at the School of Mines is challenging and academics should always take priority, it is important for students to be involved with campus activities. In fact, research has shown that students who are involved in campus life get better grades. This involvement can occur in a variety of arenas, such as student organizations, community service, academic projects, or on-campus employment. Students can choose from more than 100 student organizations at the School of Mines. These organizations range from social clubs and academic organizations to religious groups and athletic teams. A student organization list can be found at http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-
Activities/Organizations/Student-Organization-Directory/.
A Student Organization Fair is held each semester for students to learn about clubs they might be interested in joining. They can also stop by the Student Activities & Leadership Center in the Surbeck Center for more information.
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Non-traditional Students Non-traditional students (older students and students with families) comprise one-fourth of the student body at the School of Mines and are a growing population both here and nationally. Non-traditional students often have the added challenges of jobs, children, commitments, and loss of study skills, but they have maturity, motivation, and insight to contribute to their classes from their life experiences. The Counseling Services office offers assistance in developing personal goals, study skills, and referrals to community resources. Non-traditional students can utilize on-campus health services, scholarship coaching, emergency funds, and tutoring at the Tech Learning Center.
Multicultural Affairs The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is committed to building and promoting programs, services, and resources that serve to create and sustain a diverse community. A diverse community is one that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful. It is one in which each citizen values differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, economic background, ability, age, and religion. At the same time, this diverse community affirms the central importance of our common humanity. In support of the School of Mines commitment to building an inclusive community for learning, OMA works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to create an experience rich in perspectives and opportunities to learn from each other. The office encourages each person to engage in positive social change to transform and sustain the local and global communities in which we live. The OMA provides future and current students with information on scholarships, housing, co-ops, internships, and employment placement; sponsorship of social and cultural enrichment events and activities; and support for the School of Mines student chapters of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
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The OMA participates with various departments on campus to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics information to pre-college students. Visit the OMA website at
http://multicultural.sdsmt.edu.
International Student Services; Study Abroad The Ivanhoe International Center (IIC) is located in the lower level of the Surbeck Center and is the hub of international activities on campus, including services for international students and for students who are planning to study abroad. International Students Students from around the world study at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and represent many different cultures. The IIC provides orientation sessions specifically for international students and develops and publicize opportunities for cross-cultural student-to-student interaction. This offers ALL students the opportunity to get to know people from other cultures.
International students at SDSM&T share their cultures and cuisines with the campus and Rapid City communities each spring during the Cultural Expo at the Surbeck Center.
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Study Abroad Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience. Engineering and science are global enterprises, and education in these fields must prepare graduates to function professionally on multinational and multicultural teams and/or to work overseas at some point in their career. The School of Mines encourages departments and programs to develop innovative ways of incorporating experiences into the curriculum that develop these skills. The IIC coordinates efforts and assists with the logistics of these endeavors. Additional information for international students and students interested in study abroad is at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentServices/Ivanhoe-International-Center/.
Medical Issues Immunizations The South Dakota Board of Regents requires all students enrolled in post-secondary institutions to furnish evidence of immunity to selected diseases. This applies to every student (graduate and undergraduate) who has been admitted to a post-secondary institution in the state of South Dakota. All students who meet established criteria are obligated to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must demonstrate immunity; those born prior to this date are excused. Students must provide proof of two MMR doses or a medical laboratory report that verifies presence of disease-specific antibodies in the blood (i.e., positive blood titer). Meningitis vaccinations are not required but are highly recommended. Records are to be submitted to the Office of the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students.
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Health Insurance The School of Mines recommends all students be covered under their parents’ or spouses’ insurance program or obtain coverage on their own. Insurance coverage is mandatory for all international students and their dependents. International students contact the Ivanhoe International Center for more information— (605) 394-6884 or ivanhoe@sdsmt.edu. All student-athletes are required to carry their own medical insurance coverage or be covered by their parents’ or spouse’s insurance. Primary insurance is not supplied by South Dakota School of Mines. For more information, contact Scott Baird, athletic trainer— Athletic Department at (605) 394-6870.
Campus Safety and Security The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is committed to the safety and security of our students and employees. Safety personnel regularly monitor the campus and work closely with the Rapid City Police Department in enforcing community, state, and federal laws, and providing education and prevention programs. Campus Safety provides escort service which may be utilized 24-hours daily by calling (605) 394-6100. More information is provided on campus emergency procedures at http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Services/Emergency/. The Campus Safety and Fire Safety Report can be found at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentResources/Student-Conduct/Campus-Crime-and-FireStatistics/.
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Campus Alert System/Everbridge This system helps us notify students, staff, and faculty of any emergencies that occur on or near campus locations. Emergencies may include, but are not limited to, weather alerts, school closings, fire, or criminal activity. All students are automatically a part of this system through their campus-assigned e-mail address. An e-mail is sent to the campus-assigned e-mail account with information about how to register for the alert system. During registration, students may opt to register their personal telephone numbers, personal e-mail addresses, or other personal electronic devices to receive this campus alert system, as well. IMPORTANT! In order to receive vital safety messages, students need to register all available contact information. All staff and faculty are required to register and participate in this campus alert system. The Campus Alert system/Everbridge helps keep our campuses safe and ensures everyone is notified when an emergency occurs. For more information about the Regental campus alert system, visit http://www.sdbor.edu/campusalert/. More information about the Everbridge AwareTM emergency system, formerly known as 3n/National Notification Network, can be found at
http://everbridge.com/education.
Veterans Resource Center Located in the student activities area on the lower level of the Surbeck Center, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides School of Mines veterans a comfortable area in which to relax, study, or simply connect with other campus veterans. It also offers:  Tutoring in math and writing  Free college-prep classes in math, writing, and computers
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Assistance with job and scholarship searches and/or applications Assistance with ordering of military transcripts Résumé and cover letter writing Counseling and referral services regarding VA benefits, G.I. bill, and community veterans organizations Academic and life-skills advising and instruction in areas such as learning styles, test preparation, note taking, time management, stress management, and wellness
The VRC is sponsored by the School of Mines and TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, a program funded by the Department of Education. For additional information on the VRC, contact Cathy Payne at (605) 394-2560 or e-mail catherine.payne@sdsmt.edu or visit http://vrc.sdsmt.edu. To apply for VA benefits or to transfer benefits, contact Toni Schauer, the School of Mines certifying official (SCO), in the RAS office at (605) 394-2553 or Tonette.Schauer@sdsmt.edu.
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PARENT PRIMER ON FINANCES The cost attending the School of Mines will vary depending on a number of factors: the number of enrolled credit hours, types of courses, residency status, and room/board options. To assist in addressing this question, an estimated direct cost of attendance budget has been developed for the 2015-2016 academic year and is summarized on pages 53 and 54. These calculations assume 15 credit hours per semester or 30 credit hours for the year.
Financial Arrangements and Financial Aid Payment in full or financial arrangements (deferred payments) must be made by the respective due date each semester for all tuition, fees, room, and board.
Final payment date for fall 2015 is September 4, 2015. Final payment date for spring 2016 is January 21, 2016.
Students can view and pay their accounts online through the WebAdvisor link to SDePay or at the following link: https://quikpayasp.com/sdbor/campus/studentaccounts/auth orized.do Payments paid online by e-check are free of charge. Credit/Debit card payments are charged a 2.75% service fee by Nelnet Business Solutions for their service. Payments can also be made in person by cash or check at the cashier’s office or checks can be mailed in. (If mailing a check please note the student’s name and student’s ID number) SD Board of Regents offers a payment plan through Nelnet Business Solutions FACTS Payment Plan. See link below for additional information: https://www.sdbor.edu/services/technologyaffairs/FACTSPay mentPlan.htm If the student is applying for federal student aid, but did not file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until
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after August 1, there is a good chance their financial aid may not be available by the final day of fee payment. If Federal Aid has been processed and the total aid awarded (not including the Work-Study Program) is sufficient to pay their account in full, but the aid will not be available during fee payment, the student must obtain a Financial Aid Deferment from the Financial Aid office. If the aid is not sufficient to pay their account in full, the student must pay the balance of their account (that aid will not cover) prior to 4 pm on the final payment date. Failure to do so may result in a late charge and/or dropped course registration. For students who have filed their FAFSA, have accepted the aid awarded to them via the WebAdvisor Accept/Reject financial aid process, and have followed the directions provided on WebAdvisor and the Financial Aid office website, all of their federal student aid (grants and student loans), School of Mines scholarships and non-working fellowships, and most nonSchool of Mines scholarships are applied directly to the student’s account. Some non-School of Mines scholarships may be in the Student Accounts/Cashier office awaiting the student’s endorsement. If the student’s financial aid exceeds the institutional charges for tuition/fees, room/board (if contracting with the university for room/board) and Tablet PC rental, a refund will be issued. Refund checks and Work-Study Program paychecks will be mailed to the student’s designated local address or may be direct deposited to the student’s designated bank account. Students can sign up for direct deposit via WebAdvisor. Students must file a new FAFSA each year at
http://www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible after January 1, but preferably after filing their federal tax returns. The results of the FAFSA will be used to determine eligibility for the various federal grant, federal scholarship, student loan, and work-study opportunities. Depending on when the South Dakota Board of Regents meets to set tuition and fee rates for the coming school year, the School of Mines generally begins the awarding process by mid-April. After our initial awarding process begins, we continue to award aid on a rolling basis throughout the summer and into the school year. As mentioned earlier, continuing students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards as prescribed by the federal
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government in order to qualify for federal financial aid. Students must successfully complete at least 67 percent of the coursework they attempt each year and meet the minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average progression standard for undergraduate students and 3.00 for graduate students. The Career & Professional Development Center located in the Surbeck Center posts local part-time opportunities for students seeking employment while in school. It also assists students in their search for co-operative education (co-op) and internship positions. Students interested in Federal WorkStudy (FWS) opportunities on campus, and were not previously awarded FWS, should contact the Financial Aid office. Paying for books Students who wish to charge their books and supplies at the Rocker Shop (campus bookstore) may do so through the EZ Short-Term Bookstore Loan. See the Rocker Shop website for details. Some students may not be eligible for this offer. This program is available for both on-line and in-store purchases through the Rocker Shop with total purchases each semester of up to $800 being billed directly to their student account just like tuition, fees, room, board, etc. Unlike a typical loan in which funds are borrowed to pay for goods & services, this “loan” program just gives students more time to pay their Bookstore charges on their student account. Students who elect this payment option are automatically enrolled with no set-up fees; however, late charges will be assessed for loans that are not paid by the same date that all other charges are due to the university each semester. A photo ID is required at the time the student picks up their purchase at the SDSM&T Mines Bookstore.
Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board The amount for tuition and fees is set each year by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Refer to Tables 1 through 4 for detailed information on undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board. If you have questions regarding how these rates are used to calculate the amount owed by your student, please contact the Student Accounts/Cashier office in the Surbeck Center at (605) 394-2372 or the Financial Aid office in the O’Harra Building at (605) 394-2274.
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Description of Fees University Support Fee: $93.80 per credit hour SD residents, and $117.45 non-residents This mandatory fee supports the instructional and administrative service areas related to the institutional mission, including such items as direct instruction, libraries, computer centers, museums, admissions, financial aid, and administrative offices. General Activities Fee: $47.30 per credit hour This mandatory fee supports student functions related to the co-curricular activities and operations of the student union buildings, including student organizations, cultural events, homecoming, student government, student newspapers, athletics, intramural activities, fine arts, and debt on student unions. Special Discipline Course Fee: $15-80 per credit hour This non-mandatory fee varies based on the course pre-fix to support incremental costs of instructional equipment and other operating costs, including salary enhancement, for the benefit of students enrolled in higher cost disciplines: Fine Arts Other Sciences Biology/Microbiology/Anatomy Math/Statistics Computer Science Atmospheric/Environmental Science Geology/Nanoscience/Paleontology Chemistry Physics Engineering
$15 $20 $40 $40 $45 $80 $80 $80 $80 $80
Parking Fees: Students must register online for campus parking starting July 1, 2015. The parking fees listed on page 55 are for the 2015-16 academic year. For online parking registration, go to:
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Services/Facilities/CampusParking/. Prices and a campus map are available on the website. For more information or to receive help with parking registration, e-mail Service Response Supervisor at gene.herder@sdsmt.edu or call (605) 394-2251.
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Late Payment of Tuition and Fees: If a student does not make financial arrangements for payment of tuition and fees by the payment due date, a late charge will be assessed. A student who fails to satisfy financial obligations when due may be withdrawn from the university, and tuition and fee charges will still be owed. Student Health Insurance: An insurance package is available to students at an additional cost. For more information, go to:
https://myhealth.sdbor.edu/index.cfm
International Student Fee: $100.00 per semester The International Student Fee is assessed each semester. This fee is used to cover the expenses associated with corresponding, reviewing, processing, and updating the necessary information and paperwork associated with international students.
Table 1: Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Rates Per Credit Hour Tuition Type
Tuition
ESTIMATED Fees*
Total
South Dakota Resident
$151.00
$221.10
$372.10
South Dakota Non-Resident Minnesota Reciprocity** (estimated only) Examination for Credit
$253.00
$244.75
$497.75
$153.85
$221.35
$375.20
$90.75 per course $406.50 per semester
Tablet PC Rental
*Fees above include University Support Fee, General Activity Fee, and an estimate of $80 for Special Discipline Course Fee. See more detailed description of fees on pages 50-51. **This rate is current through summer 2015, but will change August 2015.
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Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance The information presented in Table 2 are only estimates of the direct costs a student could pay to the School of Mines based on 30 credit hours per year and estimated fees students could be required to pay. The Financial Aid Estimated Cost of Attendance (ECOA) also provides an estimate of indirect costs (what you will not pay to the school) for transportation and personal expenses a student could incur while attending college. Parents and students are advised to review the Financial Aid Estimated Cost of Attendance information presented at www.sdsmt.edu/finaid/COA.
Table 2: Cost of Attendance Cost of Attendance based on 15 credit hours per semester (30 per year) Rounding for Tuition/Fees and campus Room/Board is to the nearest $10. On-campus room estimate of $1,700.35 per semester assumes standard doubleoccupancy room. Residence hall rooms on-campus range from $1,700.35 to $2,089.60 per semester (not including Rocker Square Apartments). Rental for the Tablet PC (TPC) is $813 for the 2015–2016 academic year. This is figured into the amounts for Books/Supplies and TPC Rental noted in Table 2. Estimated fees based on 30 ($45.30 General Activity Fee + $93.80 University Support Fee SD resident and $117.45 non-resident + $80.00 for Special Discipline Course Fee. Actual fees will vary based on number of credit hours enrolled and the courses the student is taking. *The official rate for Minnesota Reciprocity is generally not known until mid-tolate summer; the rate quoted on Table 2 is the current rate through summer 2015, but will change by August 2015. **NON-RESIDENT Tuition Rate applies to all students from states other than South Dakota and Minnesota. Students living off campus, whether with family or on their own, would have the same estimated direct cost for Tuition, Fees, Books, Supplies and Tablet PC Rental, but Room/Board would be based on the costs associated with the housing options available to them off campus and are not considered a direct cost to the School of Mines.
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53
Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour
$151.00
$153.85
$253.00
Classification
SD Residents
MN Reciprocity*
Non-Resident**
$7,590
$4,620
$4,530
Tuition (estimate based on 30 credits)
$7,350
$6,640
$6,640
Fees (estimate based on 30 credits)
$2,000
$2,000
$2,000
Books, Supplies + Tablet PC (approximate)
$3,800
$3,800
$3,800
Room (estimate for double occupancy)
$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
Board Estimate
$24,240
$20,560
$20,470
Totals
Table 2: Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance Per Year—On-Campus
Table 3: Residence Hall Charges–Semester Accommodations
Per Person
Double Occupancy
$1,700.35 per semester
Single Occupancy
$1,902.90 per semester
Quad
$1,934.10 per semester
Deluxe/Stud Quad
$2,089.60 per semester
Rocker Square
See Residence Life Website
Advance Housing Deposit
$100 per resident
Table 4: Miscellaneous Fees
Vehicle Registration (see Parking Fees on page 50)
Red parking permit is $114 for students living on campus as well as off campus except for those living in Rocker Square apartments. Rocker Square parking - $172
ID Replacement Card
$10 per card
Late Payment Charge
Balances: Less than $100 - $10 late fee $100 to $1,000 - $30 late fee Greater than $1,000 - $50 late fee
International Student Fee (see page 51)
$100 per semester
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FOOD SERVICE FEES All students living in School of Mines residence halls are required to purchase a meal contract plan. First-year students must choose among the Gold Rush, Hardrocker 160 or Hardrocker 125 Meal Plans. Upper-level students can choose any of the meal plans available. The Rocker Square Flex Plan is available only to Rocker Square residents, who may choose this plan or any of the plans offered.
Full-Access Meals Most meal plans have Meal Plan Meals, which are a set number of meals students are provided each semester. These meals do not transfer from one semester to the next semester. Students can use only one meal per meal period. Students can use up to 10 of their allotted meals for a guest per semester. The Gold Rush plan does not include any guest meals due to the unlimited meals option. Students on the Gold Rush plan can treat friends to a meal using their Meal Plan Flex Dollars.
Meal Plan Flex Dollars Dollars (Flex) Meal Plan Flex Dollars is a prepaid fund on your meal plan and can be used in the Miner’s Shack, the Hardrocker CafÊ, Einstein Bros Bagels, and Concessions. Any Meal Plan Flex Dollars left over at the end of fall semester will be transferred to spring semester providing you maintain a meal plan. Any Meal Plan Flex Dollars left at the end of the spring semester will be forfeited. Learn more at www.minesdining.com.
Meal Plan Choices (per semester) Gold Rush Plan Unlimited all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester $100 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $1,748.10 per semester
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Hardrocker 160 Plan 160 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester $250 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $1,547.40 per semester Hardrocker 125 Plan 125 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester $500 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $1,547.40 per semester Hardrocker 75 Plan 75 all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester $250 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $893.60 per semester Hardrocker Flex Plan $1,025.49 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $1056.25 per semester Rocker Square Flex Plan $512.77 Meal Plan Flex Dollars per semester $528.15 per semester Available to Rocker Square residents only. All meal plans include a 3 percent bond and utility fee used to help cover the cost of building operations and improvements.
Commuter Plans 50/50 Plan 50 all-you-care-to-eat meals $50 Meal Plan Flex Dollars $411.95 includes tax 25/25 Plan 25 all-you-care-to-eat meals $25 Meal Plan Flex Dollars $211.25 includes tax Add on Meal Plan Flex Dollars at any time! Minimum of $25
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Casual Meal Rates Breakfast Continental Breakfast Lunch Dinner Premium Dinner
Rate $5.30 $4.30 $8.20 $8.75 $9.00
+ + + + + +
Tax .37 .30 .57 .61 .63
= = = = = =
Dining Hours Hardrocker Café Monday-Friday Breakfast 7–10 am Continental Breakfast 10–10:30 am Lunch 10:45 am–1:30 pm Light Lunch 1:30–4:45 pm Dinner 5–7:45 pm Friday dinner 5–6:30 pm Lunch Dinner
Saturday-Sunday 11 am–1 pm 5–6:30 pm
Miner’s Shack Monday–Thursday 7:30 am–Midnight Friday 7:30 am–10 pm Saturday 1–10 pm Sunday 1pm–Midnight Einstein Bros Bagels Monday–Friday 7:00 am–2 pm Saturday & Sunday Closed
HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
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Total $5.67 $4.60 $8.77 $9.36 $9.63
DEVEREAUX LIBRARY 501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 Phone: (605) 394-2418 E-mail: library@sdsmt.edu Website: http//library.sdsmt.edu Facebook: Devereaux Library
Library Hours Fall and Spring Semesters
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am–11 pm Friday, 7:30 am–5 pm Saturday, noon–5 pm Sunday, 2–11 pm
Summer Terms
Monday through Friday, 7:30 am–5:00 pm Closed weekends Holiday hours will be posted on the doors and the blog. The Devereaux Library is located on the north side of campus in a four-story building. The library provides a variety of resources and services to students. It houses thousands of print volumes as well as gives access to a multitude of electronic resources. In addition to scholarly works, the library provides a variety of enrichment materials including popular books and magazines as well as a large collection of DVDs and music CDs. Individualized assistance is available to all students. Many instructors arrange library tours and/or instruction for their classes. However, library staff will also provide individual tours and instruction. Study tables and carrels are available throughout the building. Private study rooms are available for individuals and/or small groups. The Devereaux has available for student use copy machines, a fax machine, a Smartboard, chalkboards, lounge furniture, and a vending machine. Also housed in the building are the Tech Learning Center (TLC), Tablet Central, and the ITS help desk.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS) Devereaux Library—Lower Level 501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 Phone: (605) 394-1234 (help desk) E-mail: helpdesk@sdsmt.edu Website: http://its.sdsmt.edu/ Information Technology Services’ (ITS) mission is to provide proactive, responsive, people-oriented technology, training, and support in the areas of computing, instructional multimedia, and networking. In partnership with faculty members and the Technology Fellows program, ITS pioneers new learning technologies to provide quality educational experiences outside the traditional classroom or to enhance traditional learning environments. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology students are automatically enrolled into the Tablet PC Program. The Tablet PC Program provides the convenience of having a computer available the entire SDSM&T college career. Some of the benefits include: onsite service and support, quick access to notes and homework, and access to tens of thousands of dollars of licensed, specified software required for courses.
ITS Staff
Left to right: Bradley (Brad) O’Brien, Computer Support Team Leader Kevin Rivera, Computer Support Specialist Nathan (Nate) Belcher, Computer Support Analyst
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501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 Local phone: (605) 394-2374 Fax: (605) 348-9094
E-mail: sdsmtuniversitybookstore@sdsmt.edu
http://www.hardrockershop.com
The Rocker Shop is owned and operated by the School of Mines. All earnings generated by the store are reinvested into the university. The staff is excited about assisting all students and their families with their needs! Call, fax, or e-mail with any questions.
Store Services
Course material price comparison tool on our userfriendly website EZ Short-Term Loan for students in good standing can be used for purchases at the beginning of the semester; see store website for details. Extensive course material choices Rocker Rewards loyalty program Personal check cashing Fax service and postage stamps Acceptance of all major credit cards Special ordering of books, software, and supplies Acceptance of Grubby Gold
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Merchandise Selection
New and used textbooks and study guides Digital books Textbook rentals Large variety of academic and office supplies Reference books Calculators Greeting cards Collegiate apparel from Nike, Jansport, Gear, CI Sport, Under Armour, and J-America Academically priced software Gift items Snacks and beverages Health and beauty aids Electronic accessories
Show Them You Care!
School of Mines insignia items Rocker Shop gift cards FREE on-campus delivery of gifts ordered online
Course Material Information The Rocker Shop strives to offer School of Mines students the best combination of pricing, selection, service, and value for their course material needs. Every effort is made to provide as many used textbooks as possible. A money-saving textbook rental program is offered for numerous titles. As technology advances, digital course material options are being offered as well. Textbook buybacks are held during finals week each semester. Buyback prices are determined by supply and demand for the individual titles.
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Course Material Pre-Orders Do you want to have your students’ course materials ready and waiting for them when they arrive at school? No problem! All you need to do is pre-order course materials online at
www.hardrockershop.com. Not only are students’ course
materials available upon arrival to the School of Mines, but they also get first choice of the bookstore’s inventory of used books and rental books. Detailed information about this service will be available on the store website. Students eligible for the EZ Loan are able to charge course materials as well as other items to their student account at the beginning of the semester. Payment is processed through the Student Accounts/Cashiering or via WebAdvisor with SDePAY. Normal university payment terms will apply. See the store website for more details. Some restrictions apply. Phone or e-mail the store for more information.
The Rocker Shop is owned and operated by the School of Mines. All earnings generated by the store are reinvested into the university.
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SERVICES/DIVISIONS/ DEPARTMENTS Office Hours: Fall and Spring 7:30 am–4:30 pm Summer 7:30 am–4 pm
Academic Affairs (Enrollment Management) Admissions 201 O’Harra Building—Room 200 Local phone: (605) 394-2414 Toll-free phone: (877) 877-6044 Fax: (605) 394-1979 E-mail: admissions@sdsmt.edu
http://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions/ The Office of Admissions is responsible for recruiting students to the School of Mines. The Admissions staff supports future School of Mines students by coordinating campus visits, answering questions and guiding both parents and students through the admission process. They are available to answer students’ questions about application to the university.
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Admissions Staff
Sarah Von Eye, Admissions Counselor Ann Fischer, Programmer/Analyst Samantha Dunn, Admissions Counselor Kristen Kugler, Admissions Counselor Kinsey Gustafson, Admissions Counselor Melissa Kolve, Campus Visit Coordinator (Program Assistant) Molly Moore, Assistant Vice Provost & Director of Admissions Genene Sigler, Program Assistant/ Applications Processor Not pictured: Carol Racanelli, Transfer Coordinator
Pictured left to right:
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Financial Aid 201 O’Harra Building—Rooms 216 C, D, and E Local phone: (605) 394-2274 Toll-free phone: (877) 877-6044 Fax: (605) 394-1691
www.sdsmt.edu/finaid
Students and parents are invited to review all information about financial aid on the website at www.sdsmt.edu/finaid/. The Financial Aid office assists families in the process of applying for various types of financial aid programs, whether federal, state, local, or institutional, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. Information is available in the department office or via the website regarding the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) for PellEligible students, Perkins Loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Grad PLUS, Parent PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study programs. In addition, this office provides information for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship program, the Dakota Corps Scholarship program, private alternative student loans, and scholarships that are awarded outside of the university. The office also assists students in filing paperwork for third-party organizations that will be paying all or a portion of the student’s educational costs.
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Financial Aid Staff
Left to right:
David Martin, Director of Financial Aid Erin Richards, Associate Financial Aid Director Valerie Olney, Assistant Financial Aid Director for NCAA Compliance Monica Darrow, Financial Aid Assistant
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Registrar & Academic Services O’Harra Building—Room 201 Local phone: (605) 394-2400 Toll-free phone: (800) 544-8162 Fax: (605) 394-1268 E-mail: aesinfo@sdsmt.edu
http://registrar.sdsmt.edu/
The Office of the Registrar & Academic Services (RAS) provides assistance with course enrollment and other academic services, such as student records, registration, veteran benefits, student computer information systems, institutional research, tutoring, placement and proficiency testing. It is comprised of four areas: registration and records; testing; academic and student success services; and student information systems/institutional research. Stop in or phone the RAS office for any of these services.
Registrar & Academic Services Staff
Front row, left to right: Hallie Vigil, Secretary Diana O’Toole, Registration Officer Carla Tiu, Registrar & Director of Academic Services Back row, left to right: Thomas (Tom) Mahon, Associate Registrar & Database Administrator Tonette (Toni) Schauer, Associate Registrar & Veteran Service Sarah Steiner, Senior Programmer/Analyst Not pictured: Debra Renken, Agency Integration Specialist
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Finance & Administration Administrative Services Accounting O’Harra Building—Room 112 Local phone: (605) 394-1204
Student Accounts/Cashier Services Surbeck Center Local phone: (605) 394-2372 Fax: (605) 394-2810
http://business.sdsmt.edu/
The Office of Finance & Administration, located in the O’Harra Building, prepares promissory notes for School of Mines students in the Federal Perkins Loan program. Support is provided to students by answering any questions related to their Perkins loans, such as repayment terms, interest rates, grace periods, deferment/cancellation requests, exit interviews, and more. The Student Accounts/Cashier office is located in the Surbeck Center and transacts all tuition, fee, and room and board assessments and payments, and assists students with billing questions. This office also disburses financial aid refunds and student payroll checks. Students obtain their ID cards through this office and can cash personal checks.
Accounting Staff
Jacqueline (Jackie) Spreizer, Accountant/Perkins Loans
Student Accounts/Cashier office
Sandra (Sandee) Meier, Program Assistant I
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Alcina Brick-Miller, Senior Claims Clerk
Student Development/Dean of Students Surbeck Center Local phone: (605) 394-2416 Toll-free phone: (877) 877-6044 Fax: (605) 394-2914
Student Development Statement of Purpose: Members of the division will retain students and engage them in the development of personal qualities and skills to enhance professional and personal success in a safe and healthy environment. Vision: Every School of Mines graduate will be recognized as a professional when entering the workforce.
Offices & Programs: * Career & Professional Development Center * Counseling & Student ADA Services * Health Services * Ivanhoe International Center * Office of Multicultural Affairs
* Residence Life * Student Activities & Leadership Center * Campus Ministries * Student Conduct * Veterans Resource Center
The Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students provides leadership for the Division of Student Development and develops, manages, and directs student services programs at the School of Mines. These programs are designed to assist students in fulfilling their academic, educational, and career objectives by developing their optimum potential intellectually, socially, and emotionally. These efforts are focused through the Mines Advantage initiatives: http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentServices/Mines-Advantage/.
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Student Development Staff
Mary Jo Farrington, Project Director, Campuses Community Wellness Coalition (CCWC) Susan (Suzi) Aadland, Director, Ivanhoe International Center Last row, left to right: Mike Keegan, Director, Student Activities & Leadership Center Rick Rhode, Western Nebraska CC,
Front row, left to right: Jason (Jay) Pfeiffer, Assistant Director, Career & Professional Development Center Abena Songbird, Program Assistant II Office of Multicultural Affairs Patricia (Pat) Mahon, PhD, VP for Student Development & Dean of Students Megan Reder-Schopp, Director, Counseling and ADA Services
TRIO, Veterans’ Upward Bound
Jesse Herrera, Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs Middle row, left to right: Kevin Fannin, International Students Incorporated (ISI) Cheryl Dillon, Senior Secretary (SALC) Jill Fontaine, Secretary, Surbeck Center Coral Selken, Administrative Assistant, VP for Student Development/ Dean of Students’ office Beth Riley, Assistant Director, Ivanhoe International Center Catherine (Cathy) Payne, Director, Veteran Resource Center, and Scholarship Coach Lisa LaPlant, Assistant Director, Residence Life
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Darrell Sawyer, Assistant VP for Student Development Jennifer Hauf, Director, Food Service Cory Headley, Assistant Director, Student Development Dan Sepion, Director, Residence Life Mark Urban, Counselor/Wellness Initiatives Not pictured: Marnie Tinker, Accounting Assistant/ Stephanie Lindsley, Director, Scheduling & Event Services Kaylynn Two Bulls, Jump Start Advisor, Multicultural Affairs Gayla Schlei, Program Assistant I, Residence Life Cindy Christensen, Program Assistant I, Career & Professional Development Center
Student Health Services Surbeck Center Local phone: (605) 394-2354 Hours: Walk-in or by appointment: Monday 7:30 am–3:30 pm Tuesday–Thursday Noon–4 pm Friday 8 am–Noon During the academic year, medical services are provided to enrolled students on campus at the Student Health Services office in the Surbeck Center. The Student Health Services office is closed on school holidays when classes are not held, and on occasions when classes have been canceled. In case of an emergency when the Student Health Services office is closed, enrolled students may walk in to Regional Urgent Care or call (605) 755-2273 during regular clinic hours: 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and weekends, 8 am to 4 pm. For emergency services, call 911. The Rapid City Regional Hospital is located at 353 Fairmont Blvd., on the corner of Fifth Street and Fairmont Blvd.
Student Health Services’ Primary SDSM&T Providers
Alexia Gillen, DO
Lynette Steen, CNP
If you need to speak with a medical professional, call 755-CARE and talk to one of our urgent care nurses Monday–Friday 7 am–7 pm, or weekends, 8 am–4 pm.
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PARENT PRIMER ON EMPTY NEST SYNDROME In adjusting to a student’s departure from home to a new life at college, parents remember the Native American adage, “Parents owe their children two things…roots and wings.” The first year in college is a time of major life changes for both students and parents. The following words of advice are specifically for parents who are adjusting to the experience of “empty nest syndrome.”
Treat your student respectfully and with understanding. Some mistakes will be made, but it is something everyone experiences at some point in time.
Encourage self-reliance and responsible behavior. Students must learn how to budget time and money, keep up with academic responsibilities, and in general, be responsible for their own actions. A word of encouragement and praise from you can mean a lot.
Don’t race to the rescue every time there seems to be a problem. Let students work out their own difficulties. Chances are they will have resolved the issue long before you could get there anyway. Students may also contact the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students if there are questions, concerns, or grievances they feel are not being addressed. Be a good listener. Your student may be under a lot of stress and may need to just talk to someone. Offer advice only when asked for it.
Encourage your student to pursue his or her dreams. Going to college is the first step in finding a lifetime career. If your student changes directions, support that decision. Do not expect your student to follow the ideas or dreams that you have for him or her.
Encourage your student to meet with professors and mentors and advisors often. Networking with others is important during college and later in life.
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Expect your student to be stressed during the first year. Students may feel overwhelmed by the sudden independence and its multitude of responsibilities. Express confidence in your student’s ability to handle situations or problems he or she may encounter.
Encourage your student to explore new study skills and methods, form study groups, and seek help early when there is a problem. There are tremendous differences between high school and college. Courses are harder, expectations are higher, students are expected to find their own motivation to succeed, and grades may be lower than in high school.
Make sure your student still feels like part of the family.
Wait a few months before you turn your student’s room into a guest or hobby room or turn it over to a sibling. Send notes, e-mails, boxes of food, updates on old friends, or little reminders that he or she is loved and missed at home. Fix a favorite meal during home visits. Students need to know that there is a safety net out there for them. Learn to let go. You didn’t raise your student to stay home forever. Your student is trying to build his or her own life and will be working hard to do so. Spread your own wings. Find yourself rather depressed about this new phase of life? ... Spend time on yourself, take up new hobbies and activities, and enjoy your new freedoms.
Source: “Developmental Tasks of Parents of College Students,” developed by Irene Hovey of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs—University of Colorado at Boulder.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Question: What happens after the student gets an acceptance letter?
Answer: After being accepted, students will receive an acceptance letter which includes log-in information for their interactive checklist with the next steps to take: submitting the course registration survey and housing application, signing up for the COMPASS test, and reserving a spot for orientation. The website containing the interactive checklist is http://www.sdsmt.edu/Admissions/Accepted-Students/. If you have questions, contact the Office of Admissions at (605) 394-2414 or toll free at (877) 877-6044.
Question: Once the COMPASS placement exams are taken and the student is registered for their courses, how is the student notified about being registered and how to get on WebAdvisor to see their schedules? Answer: Once the student completes the COMPASS exam or decides to accept the placement determined by his or her ACT scores, he or she next needs to complete the Course Registration Form through the interactive checklist for accepted students. This form provides the School of Mines staff the information they need to build the student’s first semester course schedule. Once the staff has built the student’s course schedule, an e-mail is sent to the student with instructions on how to access WebAdvisor to view the schedule. If the student is happy with his or her schedule, no additional actions are necessary. However, if the student has questions or concerns about the schedule, he or she needs to contact an RAS registration officer to discuss possible changes. Contact the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services at (605) 394-2400.
Question: How do students receive their financial aid? Answer: Pell Grants, Perkins Student Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), School of Mines scholarships and fellowships, Subsidized and Unsubsidized
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Direct Student Loans, Graduate PLUS, and Parent PLUS loans are applied directly to the student’s account. If the student’s financial aid exceeds their institutional charges for tuition/fees, room/board and Tablet PC rental, a refund will be issued. Questions: Is there general information regarding financial aid programs available at the School of Mines? Answer: Students and parents are invited to review the information available at http://www.sdsmt.edu/finaid/.
Question: Who do I contact if my student is receiving VA educational benefits? Answer: Contact the SDSM&T Veterans Certifying Official, Toni Schauer. Her e-mail is Tonette.Schauer@sdsmt.edu and her phone number is (605) 394-2553.
Question: When will we get a bill and when is payment due? Answer: Fall balances can be viewed via SDePay (Current Activity) approximately July 21. Statements will be posted online approximately August 1 for fall semester. Because billing is a paperless system, hardcopies of bills will not be mailed to students. Payment can be made beginning July 21 and is due no later than September 4, 2015, at 4 pm MST. (Refer to pages 47– 49.)
Question: I’m paying for my student’s education and want to know their account details and balance. Can I get this information from the Student Accounts/Cashier office? Answer: Not without written consent from the student or dependent status as detailed in the previous question. Financial information is also subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Question: I am paying for my child’s education and want to see his grades. Can you send me a report? Answer: No. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), we are not allowed to release grade reports or records to anyone except the student. Educational institutions and agencies must obtain written consent from the student before releasing any information about a student. However, parents of dependent students who can document that the student is an exemption on their federal income tax
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return may have access to grades and other confidential information as provided by FERPA.
Question: When are immunizations due? Answer: Measles, mumps, and rubella immunizations (MMR) are required as soon as possible. Although not required, it is also highly recommended that the student get a meningitis vaccination. Future registration will be blocked after the tenth day of the initial semester registration, and holds will not be released until proper documentation is on file. PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO SUBMIT IMMUNIZATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. For more information, contact the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students office at (605) 394-2416 or visit the following website and then click the Required Immunization Form link at
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/StudentResources/Policies-and-Procedures/Immunizations/.
Question: If my student is sick or injured, where can he or she go for help? Answer: Medical treatment at the Student Health Services office, located in the Surbeck Center, or a referred service provider is available to all students each semester. All students are required to complete and return the Medical History/Physical Examination form with the required immunizations documented.
Question: What assurance do I have, as a parent, that my student will be safe on campus? Answer: The School of Mines is committed to the safety and security of our students and employees. Safety personnel regularly monitor the campus and work closely with the Rapid City Police Department in law enforcement. There is also a campus escort service which may be utilized twenty-four hours a day by calling (605) 394-6100. Refer to pages 44-45 to learn more about campus safety and the Campus Alert system/Everbridge. For more information about the Campus Emergency and Safety procedures, visit
http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Services/Facilities/CampusSafety/
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and http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Services/Emergency/.
Questions: What if my student is absent from class or misses an exam because of a school-sponsored event? Answer: Students are not penalized for absence from courses while participating in school-sponsored activities, provided arrangements are made with the instructor ahead of time. Students must also be given the opportunity to make up exams provided arrangements are made with the head or chair of the department.
Question: Can my student repeat a course if he or she does not do well the first time? Answer: Yes. Students can attempt a course up to three times but must appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee for a fourth attempt. Only the most recent grade for a course is calculated into the cumulative grade point average. However, all attempts of a course remain on the transcript. For Federal Student Aid eligibility purposes, and taking into account the aforementioned appeal for a fourth attempt, students who fail a class may retake the class as many times as necessary to receive a passing grade and still receive Federal Student Aid to help pay for it. However, If at any time a passing grade is received, they have one further opportunity to improve the grade and still qualify for Federal Student Aid to help pay for it. If after receiving a passing grade, the student retakes the class to improve the grade, but fails or receives a lower grade, Federal Student Aid would not be available to help pay for another attempt.
Question: Can we rent an apartment for our student or can he or she stay with relatives while attending the School of Mines? Answer: For the first-two years following their high school graduation, students are required by Board of Regents policy to live in on-campus housing. If they live with their parents or legal guardians (documentation of legal guardianship must be provided), students may live off campus. For further information about exemptions, please contact the residence life office or visit the Residence Life webpages at http://reslife.sdsmt.edu/.
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Question: Where does my student find information on local part-time employment? Answer: Job opportunities are posted on the display board near the Rocker Bookstore in the Surbeck Center. There are usually local part-time jobs available both on and off-campus. The Career & Professional Development Center in the Surbeck Center uses an online job posting system to help students find summer internships, co-op opportunities, and professional employment at http://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-
Services/Career-Center-Placement/.
Question: How do we get an unofficial transcript? Answer: A student can print their own unofficial transcript through WebAdvisor. They must login as themselves and from the main Student Menu, the link to the Unofficial Transcript/Course History is under the Academic Profile heading. The University does not provide any other unofficial transcripts.
Question: How does my student get an enrollment verification? Answer: There are several ways to request an enrollment verification. Students can log into their WebAdvisor account and click on the Enrollment Verification Request link at the top: WebAdvisor for Students Menu. This link takes you to the National Student Clearinghouse where you can print an official enrollment certificate. Another option is to call (605) 394-2400, e-mail, fax (605) 394-1268, or request in person, an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar and Academic Services (RAS) office in the O’Harra Bldg., Room 201—main floor. This selection can only be used to obtain a basic letter containing Directory Information. When/if additional educational information is necessary, students will need to fill out and sign a Consent Form/Authorization to Release Information Form that can be found by clicking on the Forms link on the Registrar and Academic Services webpage at http://www.sdsmt.edu/Registrar/. The student must sign this form in the presence of a School of Mines representative or a Notary Public.
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Question: If students need academic help or help finding social support, where can they go? Answer: Often students do not know where to find help on campus. Needs can usually be narrowed down to academic related or student related/personal needs. Here are a couple suggestions where to begin: For academic help, students may contact the Office of the Registrar & Academic Services (RAS) to learn of available resources including the Tech Learning Center (TLC) tutoring service. The RAS office is in the O’Harrra Building. Students should also keep in regular contact with their courses’ instructors as well as their assigned advisors. In this booklet, refer to the section PARENT PRIMER ON ACADEMICS, pages 17–29. The Office of the VP for Student Development/Dean of Students guides students seeking support for social, spiritual, health, counseling, and other student-related needs. Students will find the office on the main floor of the Surbeck, or call 605-394-2416. On pages 30–45 in this booklet in the section titled PARENT PRIMER ON CAMPUS LIFE, you will find overviews for a number of excellent support resources available to students (including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and International Student Services).
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IMPORTANT CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION Student’s Name_______________________________________ Student’s Address_____________________________________ South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 Student’s Phone Number________________________________ Student’s E-mail Address_______________________________
Additional Campus Numbers Toll-free number (800) 544-8162
All the offices listed below may be accessed through this number
(Area code 605) Admissions Career & Professional Development Center Counseling & ADA Services Dining Services Enrollment Management Financial Aid Health Services Ivanhoe International Center (IIC) Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) Orientation information Registrar & Academic Services (RAS) Residence Life (Housing) Security/Campus Safety Student Accounts/Cashier office Student Activities & Leadership Center Surbeck Center Veteran Benefits Veterans Resource Center (VRC) Vice President for Student Development/ Dean of Students
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394-2414 394-2667 394-2416 394-1953 394-5127 394-2274 394-2354 394-6884 394-1828 394-2336 394-2400 394-2348 394-6100 394-2372 394-2336 394-2335 394-2553 394-2560 394-2416
Women in Science & Engineering (WISE)
394-5261
Visit the School of Mines website at http://www.sdsmt.edu.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Office of the Registrar and Academic Services gratefully acknowledges the support and encouragement of the School of Mines community in putting together this guide for parents. Many offices and individuals provided information or allowed us to reprint this material from other brochures, photos, handbooks, and web pages. Cover photo: Proud parents Diana and Shane sit next to their Hardrocker sons Alex and Spencer, all sporting Rowdy Rocker gear during a family photo.
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REGISTRAR & ACADEMIC SERVICES
501 East Saint Joseph Street • Room 201, O’Harra Building Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-3995 Phone: 1-800-544-8162 ext. 2400 Local phone: (605) 394-2400