New NEWSLETTER

Student
A Welcome Publication for New DSU Freshmen and Their Families

Welcome to ¥  Your emergency contact informa-

tion is required before you arrive on
DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY! campus.
¥  Orientation begins Friday, August
23, and concludes Tuesday, August
Y ou have made a great decision to attend DSU. We are excited
for your arrival on campus Friday, August 23, and we know
you have lots of questions. This newsletter has been carefully de-
27. You may move onto campus be-
ginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, August
23.
signed to answer many of your questions and offer helpful tips
and suggestions as you get ready for the exciting time ahead. It ¥  Sessions for families will be held
will also serve as a useful reference for the rest of the year. through Sunday, August 25, conclud-
ing at 12:30 p.m.
Arriving in August involves much more than just settling into
your room. The mission of Orientation is to create an atmo-
sphere where students and families feel welcome, begin build-
ing relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and receive
information to assist in your successful transition to the aca-
demic, social, and cultural life at DSU.
During Orientation, you will attend social events to meet other
new students and families, participate in small student groups
to learn more about the community and your classmates, get to
know your academic advisor and register for fall classes, meet
with academic and Student Life staff who will provide import-
ant support for your success, tour the campus and communi-
ty—and of course, eat some great food! It is a fun and informal TABLE OF CONTENTS
time planned just for you! Congratulations.................................... 2
Transfer Students................................. 2
Orientation leaders will provide you with assistance during this
orientation and guide you through your first week at DSU. They Orientation Schedule............................ 3
are excited to be your source of information and support upon A Note to Parents................................. 4
your arrival. As part of our effort to “Go Green,” we will be Emergency Contact.............................. 4
sending most of our information to you this summer by email. Quick Reference Phone Numbers...... 4
On behalf of all of us at DSU, “Bienvenidas, Dobre Doshli,
Family Weekend.................................... 5
Irashaimasu, Bienvenue, Huan Yin, Karibu, Welcome.” Howev- College Jargon...................................... 5
er you say it, we’re glad you’re here! Moving Away from Home.................... 6
Vehicles on Campus............................. 6
We look forward to welcoming you to campus! What to Bring ....................................... 7
Vice President for Student Life Dining at DSU........................................ 7
Choosing a Major & a Career.............. 8
Get Involved ....................................... 9
Academic Calendar ............................ 10
FAQ’s ...................................... 11
 CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING A GREAT CHOICE!
DSU offers a better college experience that is both challenging and fun. You’ll learn from professors who are experts
in their fields, and you’ll thrive with thought-provoking classes, a tech-infused learning environment, a state-of-the-art
Tablet PC and ample inspiration. It’s all part of a DSU education.

The technology advantage is more than just having your own Tablet PC and 24/7 access to the campus network. Tech-
nology is blended into campus life. From hands-on use of industry-standard equipment and software (the things you’ll
use in the real world after graduation) to campus event tweets and Facebook invitations — using technology is second
nature at DSU.
It’s a better way to learn, and every major produces a tech-savvy graduate. DSU education graduates have a Technolo-
gy Endorsement, business majors take programming and information system courses and so on. These computer and
information technology skills give DSU students an advantage, which is why, year after year, over 90% of our grads find
jobs, with 100% placement in some areas.
All this and DSU is affordable, too! Reasonably priced tuition and a competitive scholarship and financial aid program
make Dakota State an outstanding value — not something you’d expect from a leading, high-tech university.

TRANSFER STUDENTS
Students transfer to Dakota State for many different reasons: the great variety of academic programs strengthened by
the integration of technology, caring faculty, excellent career placement and very affordable tuition. But the greatest
reason why students transfer to DSU is the personal attention we give to transfer students whether they are on-campus,
online or at the University Center.

Most Common Transfer Reasons

¥  Some students choose to return to their home state and complete their education at a state school. This is often the
best choice in terms of tuition costs.
¥  Some students transfer to pursue a specific degree. Our programs in Computer Network Security, Digital Arts &
Design, Game Design, or English for New Media are cutting edge.
¥  Some students choose to transfer to DSU because of the small campus and the personalized attention.
As a transfer student you may have many questions about how things work at DSU. Therefore, we will hold special
Transfer Student Orientation meetings. Check the Orientation Schedule for location and times.

New Student Newsletter DSU 2

 2013
ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
The mission of Orientation at DSU is to create an atmosphere where you, other students
and families feel welcome and begin to build relationships with students, faculty, and
staff. You’ll receive information to assist in your successful transition to the academic,
social, and cultural life at on campus.
Friday, August 22, First Day of Orientation 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 Lunch and group Trojan Center
p.m. gatherings. Marketplace.
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 Move-In (RA’s, RD’s GO Leaders, and Student 1:30 – pm – 3:30 Information Sessions. Various meeting
p.m. Athletes assist). p.m. places.
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 Student Service Center Trojan Center 4:00 p.m. GOT! Time Various meeting
p.m. Hours places.
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 Bookstore Open Trojan Center 6:30 p.m. Dorm Hall Floor meetings with RA’s and RD’s.
p.m.
8:00 p.m. GO! Karaoke! Trojan Center
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 All offices open Underground
p.m.
Sunday, August 24
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 Tablet Distribution Lowry Hall
p.m.
8:00 a.m. Move-In for Returning
10:00 a.m. Transfer Student Trojan Center, Students
Orientation Session Regents Room
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 Church Options. Meet in Trojan Center.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 Lunch on DSU. Cookout on West of the Trojan p.m.
p.m. the Green Center
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 Trojan Center Marketplace Open.
1:30 p.m. Transfer Student Trojan Center,
p.m.
Orientation Session Regents Room
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 Student Service Center Trojan Center
3:00 p.m. First-Year Interaction Team Various Locations
pm. Open
(FIT) meetings
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 DSU Bookstore open Trojan Center
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social and Family Farewells
p.m.
4:00 p.m. Welcome Address (for students only). Greetings
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 Lunch and Group Trojan Center
and introductions by DSU faculty, staff, and GO
p.m. Gatherings Marketplace
Leaders!
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 Trojan Olympics. West TC Lawn
4:45 p.m. – 5:30 GO! Time West Trojan Center
p.m.
p.m. Lawn
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 GO! Time West TC Lawn
5:30 p.m – 6:30 Supper Trojan Center
p.m.
p.m. Marketplace
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Grill and Chill West Trojan Center
7:30 p.m. Scratch and Bang TC Underground
Lawn
9:00 p.m. Game Night Location: Higbie &
8:00 p.m. FYRE Event Residence Halls
Zimmermann Lobbies
and Lounges Monday, August 25
Saturday, August 23
8:00 a.m. Classes begin
8:00 a.m. Move-In Day for Returning Students 9:00 p.m. Comedian Location TC Underground
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 Student Services Center Trojan Center
p.m. Open
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 Tablet Distribution Lowry Hall
p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 TC Marketplace Open Trojan Center
p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 DSU Bookstore Open Trojan Center
p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 Heston Hub 1st and 2nd floor
p.m. offices of Heston Hall
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 Information Sessions. Various meeting
a.m. places.

New Student Newsletter DSU 3

 A NOTE TO PARENTS
What a challenging and exciting time it is when a family prepares a student for her first year of college! I know your
support has been essential in the choice of DSU and now will continue to be essential during the coming weeks of
transition. We, at DSU, are excited that our students are beginning their journey of growth and change that will lead
to their graduation. We look forward to welcoming each student and their family to campus in August.
I hope you will be able to attend Orientation that begins August 23, 2015. Activities have been planned to answer
questions and to help every member of the incoming class become better acquainted with each other, the faculty and
staff, and the campus. Orientation activities are crucial to ensure that we get the academic year off to a good start.
At DSU, all our efforts are focused on student success. Clearly, full participation in Orientation is the beginning of a
student’s success.
Finally, I want to congratulate you on your decision to send your child to DSU. The academic, student life, and leader-
ship programs available at DSU offer remarkable opportunities for young people to learn, to lead, and to discover. We
have faculty and staff members committed to each student’s growth and development. I am extremely pleased to be a
part of this college community and to lend my efforts to help young people thrive here. I look forward to seeing you
in August.
DSU President
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Student safety is our first priority at DSU, and we require all students to provide emergency contact information prior to
their arrival on campus. The information collected will be used to contact students and/or their families in case of a cam-
pus or personal emergency, and to conduct college business. This information will be made accessible only to employees
of the college.
We would also like to stay in touch with parents throughout the year with periodic emails and newsletters. To provide
your emergency contact information, go to www.DSU.edu/emergency-enroll.
DSU is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. The college has
created an emergency website to assist with communication in the event of a campus emergency. In the event of a cam-
pus emergency, please refer to the website http://www.DSU.edu/emergency/ for official campus statements and updates.

QUICK REFERENCE PHONE NUMBERS

This list should assist you in directing questions or concerns to the correct personnel. You may contact the offices by
calling the College switchboard at (417) 667-8181 and asking for the noted extension.
Business Office (ext. 2123) can assist with questions concerning the payment of College fees and information about the
international trips. Billing statements will be mailed prior to July 31.
Office of Academic Records (ext. 2125) can answer questions about class registration, grades, transcripts, and transfer
credits.
Office of Enrollment Management (ext. 2107) can answer questions on admission (completion of forms, test scores,
high school transcripts, campus visits). You can reach them by dialing 1-888-555-DSU or by e-mail at enrollmgt@dsu.
edu.
The Office of Financial Aid (ext.2190) can answer questions about scholarships and all other types of financial aid. You
can reach them by calling 1-888-555-DSU or by e-mail at financialaid@dsu.edu.
Housing Office (ext. 2104) can answer questions about roommate and hall assignments and provide general informa-
tion about the residence halls. Housing information will be e-mailed near the end of July for those students with com-
pleted health files.
Office of Student Life (ext. 2126) can answer questions about Orientation, health services, personal counseling, char-
tered buses to the airport, Family Weekend, and local churches. This office can provide general information about
student life.

New Student Newsletter DSU 4

FAMILY WEEKEND Academic Advisor
You will be assigned a faculty member who
will assist you in planning your course
Save the Date! schedule. Your advisor can serve as a valu-
DSU has a special weekend for families to spend able resource for many of your academic
time with students on the campus. Parents, sib- questions or concerns.
lings, grandparents, other relatives, and friends are
Catalog

A GUIDE TO COLLEGE JARGON

all invited. Family Weekend is a great opportunity
for families and friends to meet roommates and This official online publication of the college
other college friends. contains information about the curriculum,
graduation requirements, the academic
Activities begin with dinner on Friday, October rights and responsibilities of the student, and
4, and end with brunch on Sunday, October 6. In support services. It is
addition to plenty of free time, some great activities
have been scheduled. Two performances of the Credit Hours
College play, a volleyball game, great food, and op- You earn credit hours for each course suc-
portunities to meet other families are also planned. cessfully completed. The number of semester
or credit hours generally relates to how often
Area Overnight Accommodations the class meets each week. In addition to
Friends and/or family members who plan to visit other requirements at least 120 credit hours
the campus during Orientation, Family Week- are required to earn a bachelor’s degree. A
end, Homecoming Weekend, or Commencement, full-time student must enroll in at least 12
should make lodging reservations early, as the credit hours per semester, with the typical
hotels will fill up. load being 14-17 credit hours.

Motels President’s List

Super 8 Madison This honor is awarded to all students whose
semester GPA is 3.5 or higher and who com-
¥  219 N Highland Ave, Madison, SD 57042 pleted at least 12 credit hours in the previous
¥  (605) 256-6931 semester.

AmericInn Lodge & Suites Madison Deficiency

If you earn a C- or lower in a course at mid-
¥  504 10th Street SE, Madison, SD 57042 term, you will be sent notification indicating
¥  Toll Free Reservations: (800) 634-3444 concern about your academic progress. You
should follow-up with your advisor and fac-
¥  Hotel Front Desk: (605) 256-3076 ulty to remediate the situation.

Lake Park Motel GPA

¥  1515 NW 2nd St., Madison, SD 5710 Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated
by dividing the total number of attempt-
ed credit hours into the total grade points
Camping received.
Say What?

Lake Herman or Walker’s Point State Parks

¥  23409 State Park Drive Syllabus
This is a course outline which often lists
¥  Madison, SD 57042 course expectations and project dates, course
policies, and professor’s office hours.
¥  (605) 256-5003
¥  LakeHerman@state.sd.us Transcript
This is your official record of grades and
GPA earned at DSU. The Office of Academic
Records will, upon written request, send a
copy of your transcript to other academic
institutions or employers.

New Student Newsletter DSU 5

MOVING AWAY FROM HOME
Moving to DSU may be the first time you will be away from your home and family for an extended time period. You will
encounter new values and ideas and experience new freedoms and responsibilities. Realize that as things have changed for
you, they have also changed for your family. You might want to consider for yourself, or discuss with your family, some of
these issues before leaving for college.
¥  Expected academic performance ¥  Laundry tips
¥  Educational goals and interests ¥  Living with a roommate and many suitemates
¥  Career and transfer school choices ¥  Relationships and dating
¥  Balancing school, work, and other demands ¥  Smoking, alcohol, and drugs
¥  Phone bills and payment of them ¥  Time management
¥  Financial management and budgeting ¥  Health and well-being
¥  Holiday and weekend plans
For most students, communication with their families back home is vital. Most students appreciate care packages and
e-mails from home, as well as phone calls, and coordinated campus visits.

10 Tips for Reducing Homesickness
1. Be aware that it is a natural and common response.
2. Talk in advance with your friends or family members
about what to expect at college. Be flexible if your
expectations aren’t met exactly.
3. Bring important photos, phone numbers, addresses,
and e-mail addresses with you.
4. Explore the campus and city with a new-found friend.
5. Get adequate food, sleep, and exercise.
6. Get involved with at least one student organization.
7. Make new friends, but keep the old.
8. Give yourself time to adjust.
9. Challenge yourself. Meet new people and take new
classes.
10. Talk to people on campus. Talk to your dorm-mates
and classmates. Talk to the R.A. staff and your profes-
sors.

VEHICLES ON CAMPUS
All students are allowed to have cars on campus if they are registered. Parking, registration, and your car sticker are free. Residential
students do not need an automobile to get to and from classes; however, many students find that having a car or bicycle is convenient.
DSU is located less than half a mile from downtown and one mile from shopping centers. Limited in-town taxi service is available.

Parking
The cost of a parking permit is figured into your fall
tuition bill.
Permits ordered by August 20th will be distributed
at dorm check-in.  Others may be picked up at the
Cashiers Office in Heston Hall.
Permits Available:
¥  Green permit (available to all students) -
$32.00
¥  Blue permit (limited to Residence Hall stu-
dents) - $50.00
¥  Handicap Permit:
¥  $32.00 - Available to all students with state-is-
sued handicap permit
¥  $50.00 - Limited to Residence Hall students
with state-issued handicap permit

New Student Newsletter DSU 6

 WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
This list contains suggestions on what you may need at college. The rooms and closets are most likely smaller than at your
home, so plan accordingly! If you have a roommate, you might want to coordinate the purchase and bringing of certain
items. It may be more convenient to purchase some of these items after you arrive. Madison has three general department
stores (Lewis and Dollar General), as well as a grocery store (Sunshine Foods).
¥  Address books/ ¥  Clothes hangers ¥  Extension cords ¥  Quarters (for laun- ¥  Umbrella/raincoat
stamps/email addresses dry)
¥  Desk lamp ¥  Hair dryer ¥  Wastebasket
¥  Alarm clock/phone ¥  Sheets (standard
Recommended Items Necessary Items

¥  Desk/class supplies ¥  Laundry supplies twin-size)/blankets ¥  Water bottle

¥  Book bag
¥  Dress clothes ¥  Pillow ¥  Shower tote ¥  Winter coats, boots,
¥  Calculator gloves, and hat
¥  Electric fan ¥  Posters/pictures ¥  Toiletries
¥  Calendar/planner
¥  Electronic chargers ¥  Power surge pro- ¥  Towels and wash-
¥  Cell phone tector cloths
Items Provided
¥  Area rug ¥  Dry erase board and for hanging objects ...for each student
marker
¥  Bicycle ¥  Sewing kit Clothes closet • Desk and desk chair
¥  DVDs • Dresser • Mattress pad • Twin bed
¥  Camera ¥  Shelves/bins/boxes (standard size) • Mini-blinds
¥  First aid kit
¥  Closet/shoe organizer ¥  Sleeping bag ...in each suite
¥  Mp3 player
¥  Computer ¥  Toolkit Hot plate • Ironing board • Ladder •
¥  Robe and slippers Microwave • Refrigerator
¥  Curtains ¥  “Hold It” poster adhe-
¥  'S’ hooks and string/wire sive/3M Command hooks ...in each hall
¥  Alcohol or alcohol ¥  Hookahs ¥  Personal refriger- ¥  Space heaters Computer suite with IBM com-
Not Allowed

containers ators patible computers with Internet,

¥  Loft beds ¥  “Spongy” adhesive printers, scanners, CD burners •
¥  Burning candles/ ¥  Pets (except fish) squares for hanging Oven • Parlor with TV • Quiet study
incense/ infusion lamps ¥  Personal micro- items room • Recreation room • Televi-
wave ovens ¥  Room air condi- sion room with VCR/DVD player •
¥  Dairy milk crates tioners ¥  Street signs Trunk room for storage • Washers
BON APPETIT! DINING AT DSU and dryers

The University Marketplace, located in the Trojan Center and operated by Sodexo, is the dining room of the campus. The
a-la-carte pricing of all items allows the customer to select from a wide variety of food choices. A computerized cash regis-
ter deducts the value of the food selected from the individual’s meal plan balance.
The University Marketplace is a short walk from the surrounding residence halls. Its hours have been designed to fit stu-
dent needs - 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Friday, and from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
In order to meet the diverse interests of our customers, the University Marketplace offers an expanded style of service, in-
cluding snack items, full meals, salads, pizza, exhibition cookery, fresh baked goods, and deli and grill items 7 days a week.
While in the Trojan Center, stop by Einstein’s Bagels for delicious coffee and non-coffee based drinks and bagels. You’ll
also find all the necessities for college life in Bits n Bytes, an on-campus convenience store. Hours of operation are Monday
through Thursday 7:30 am to 11:30 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
All three Dining Services locations accept meal plans, Trojan Silver, cash, credit cards and check.
Meal Plans
¥  The Trojan Basic Plan ¥  The Blue & Gold Plan ¥  The Big Dakota Plan ¥  The Trojan Advance
is the minimum meal plan is designed for the moderate has the heavy eater in mind. Plan, $306.35 tax included,
and is designed for the eater who will also be dining Its price is $1,067.70, tax is required of all students
moderate eater who will not in the Marketplace on week- included. in their third or subsequent
be on campus a number of ends. Its price is $1033.40, year who live on campus
weekends. The total price is tax included. unless they take one of the
$936.80, which includes 7% above plans.
tax. ¥  First-semester stu-
dents living on campus are
required to take the Blue &
Gold Plan unless they select
the Big Dakota Plan.

New Student Newsletter DSU 7

 CHOOSING A MAJOR & A CAREER
Summer is a great time to start thinking about and investigating college majors. Volunteer work, summer jobs, job shad-
owing, and/or informational interviewing are all ways to get a feel for careers that may interest you. You can also use
your home computer and local library. Exploring your interests and talents can help you get closer to a decision.
When you arrive at DSU, stop by the Academic Assistance Center (AAC). The career and transfer coordinator offers
individual career counseling and can assist you with your exploration as you decide upon a major. The AAC has a
career library filled with information on various career paths. An interest inventory can be taken to be interpreted by
the career and transfer coordinator, or you can use Choices, an interactive computer program that assesses your career
interests and values to match them up with possible careers.

Get Focused!
Career Services has joined forces with FOCUS-2
to bring you a new online, self-guided, interactive
program designed to help you select the right college
major and plan your career based on your personal
interests, values, skills, personality, and aspirations.
FOCUS-2 can help you select majors and consolidate
career goals. Work on as many sections as you can in
both the Career Readiness and Self Assessment cate-
gories. If you are trying to select your major, we highly
recommend the Academic Strengths section, as well as
the 5 sections in the Self Assessment category.
Once you have an understanding of your interests,
personality, skills, values & leisure interests, use the
Explore the Possibilities section to research potential
careers. This section provides information about each
career, including educational background and salary
information. You can also complete a side-by-side
comparison of careers.
If you would like, you can consolidate all of your re-
ports into a portfolio in the Personal Portfolio section.
We recommend you do this step if you have completed
most or all of the assessment sections. If you have only
taken one or two sections, it may not be necessary.

Career Counseling for Students

What are you going to major in? That question can either be easy or hard to answer.
Let me tell you that you are not alone! If you are not sure on what you want to major in, or if you have chosen a major and
are now uncertain if it is the right career path for you. Choosing a major is a big deal! You are trying to decide what you
would like to do for the rest of your life! Well, put your stress level to rest because Career Services has the resources to help
you.
Career Services is here to talk you through your abilities, strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, skills, values, and career
goals. We have a tool, FOCUS-2, to help you assess all of your abilities to make the right career choice for your future. To
start your career assessment, come see me or email me so I can create a FOCUS-2 account for you.
I am here to help you along with our staff to make sure that you feel confident in your career decision.
Kelly Greene, Career Counselor
Career Services
Heston Hall 206C

New Student Newsletter DSU 8

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
Students are expected to work hard in their classes. However, a common mistake that new students make is to emphasize
academics to the exclusion of everything else.
Much research has been done on the factors contrib-
uting to the academic and personal success of those
students who graduate from college. Factors that are
most often mentioned include:
¥  Establishing close friends during the first month
¥  Participating in Orientation activities
¥  Belonging to student organizations
¥  Getting involved in cultural and social activities
¥  Attending lectures
¥  Taking advantage of campus facilities
¥  Participating in extracurricular and campus activ-
ities
There are many ways to be involved on the DSU cam-
pus. Students are encouraged to select one or more areas of interest and become active. It will be an opportunity to learn
new skills and ideas, meet people with similar interests, and make a difference with the organization or community
Campus activities include a wide range of programs. The Student Activities Committee (SAC) sponsors dances, comedians,
hypnotists, poets, entertainers, picnics, and musicians. Programs relevant to academic and student life are also provided
throughout the year.
DSU-produced events include college plays, choir and instrumental concerts, performances, student concerts, film festi-
vals, and other events spanning the realm of performing arts.
Student organizations and clubs are groups of students that share common interests and goals. All students are encouraged
to join at least one group. A list of the clubs and organizations at DSU can be found above.
Athletics include intercollegiate basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. Students have the opportunity to play on a team
or to support the College through game attendance.
DSU Clubs and Organizations Information can be found at: http://www.dsu.edu/student-life/clubs.aspx)

¥  8-plex Hall Council
¥  Alpha Rho Theta (ART
Club)
¥  Colleges Against Can-
cer
¥  Computer Club
¥  Council for Exceptional
Children
¥  Dakota State Cheer &
Dance Team
¥  Delta Mu Delta
¥  DSU Live
¥  DSU2
¥  Emry Hall
¥  English Club
¥  Exercise Science Club
¥  “Fear the Turkey” (Dra-
ma Club)
¥  DSU Gaming Group
¥  Health Information
Management Club
¥  Higbie Hall
¥  International Club
¥  Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship
¥  Kappa Sigma Iota
¥  KDSU
¥  Martial Arts Club
¥  PE Club
¥  Phi Eta Sigma (Fresh-
men Honor Society)
¥  Phi Beta Lambda (Busi-
ness Club)
¥  Respiratory Care Club
¥  Richardson Hall Coun-
cil
¥  SDEA
¥  Sigma Tau Delta
¥  Student Activities
Board
¥  Student Ambassadors
¥  Students In Free Enter-
prise (SIFE)
¥  Student Association
Senate
¥  Trojan Times
¥  Women in Science and
Technology
¥  Zimmermann Hall
Council

New Student Newsletter DSU 9

FALL 2014 ACADEMIC CALENDAR 
Aug. 22 (Fri) 8:00 a.m. Residence Halls open for First Year Students only
  New Student Orientation Activities begin
Aug. 23-24 (Sat-Sun) 8:00 a.m. Residence Halls open for all students
Aug. 25 (Mon) 8:00 a.m. Classes begin
Sept. 1 (Mon) Labor Day - no classes
Sept. 4 (Thurs) Census Day
  Last day to register for any fall classes to determine financial eligibility
  Last day to add a full semester class
  Last day to drop a full semester class and receive 100% refund
Tuition and Fees - Deadline for payment or payment plan to avoid cancella-
Sept. 5 (Fri) tion of registration
and late fee assessment
Sept. 17 (Wed) Constitution Day
Oct. 1 (Wed) Last day to apply for Fall 2014 graduation
Oct. 13 (Mon) Native American Day - no classes
Oct. 17 (Fri) Last day of first half semester classes
Oct. 22 (Wed) Mid-term deficient grades due
Oct. 27-Nov. 14 (Mon-Fri) Continuing student pre-registration for spring 2015 and summer 2015
Last day a student withdraw from the University and be eligible for a refund
Oct. 29 (Wed) of University charges based on federal regulations and Board of Regents
policy
Last day to withdraw from a full semester course or school and receive a
Nov. 7 (Fri)
grade of “W”
Nov. 11 (Tue) Veterans Day - no classes
Thanksgiving holiday - no classes
Nov. 26-30 (Wed-Sun)
Please note:  Tuesday, Nov. 25, evening classes will be held
Dec. 1 (Mon) Classes resume
Dec. 10 (Wed) No classes
Dec. 11-17 (Thurs-Wed) Final examination period
Dec. 13 (Sat) Commencement - Fieldhouse
Dec. 17 (Wed) Semester ends; Residence Halls close - 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 22 (Mon) Final grades due

New Student Newsletter DSU 10

FAQ’S
What if I don’t get along with my room-
mate?
One of the most important things to do at the start of
any roommate relationship is to communicate your likes,
dislikes, boundaries, and “rules” for the room. If a conflict
arises, an R.A., hall director, or peer listener can meet with
you and your roommate to help discuss the situation and
come to a solution. Room changes are possible, within the
options available.
How do I get a campus job?
If you qualify for a campus job, you will be notified
through your financial aid award letter. Students work an
average of ten hours per week and receive a paycheck once
each month, usually around the 15th of the month.
If a job becomes available at the beginning or during the
academic year, it will be posted in The DSU Connection, a
weekly student publication. Anyone who was not awarded
a campus job as part of their financial aid package could
then apply, regardless of financial need.
What if I am having trouble with a class?
You should talk with the course instructor and outline
your specific areas of concern. You might also want to
form a study group with your classmates. Additional help
is available through your academic advisor or the Academ-
ic Assistance Center.
How can I stay in balance throughout the
year?
We encourage you to “DRESS” for success.
¥  Diet and nutrition
¥  Relaxation
¥  Exercise
¥  Sleep and adequate rest
¥  Socialize with friends and have fun
Is DSU a safe campus?
Yes; however, you should use good judgment and prac-
tice reasonable safety precautions. For safety reasons, the
residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. Your ID/keycard
allows you to enter the halls and the other buildings on
campus.
Are there housekeepers on campus?
There are several housekeepers in each residence hall. They
vacuum and dust the suite areas and clean the bathrooms.
Students are responsible for cleaning their rooms, doing
their dishes, and picking up personal items.
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Will I really gain 15 pounds as a freshman?
Not necessarily, although the food at DSU is very good.
By creating a balance of exercise, good nutrition, rest, and
relaxation you should be able to maintain your desired
weight.
What happens if I get sick while at DSU?
Local physicians, under contract with the College, perform
treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, provide health
counseling, write prescriptions, and make referrals. Your
semester student health fee provides for this service. You
are strongly encouraged to be covered by adequate health
insurance while at DSU.
Will there be a lot of homework?
College classes are different than high school classes. There
probably will be more reading assignments, and the exams
and papers will cover a greater amount of material. You
will be expected to do a great deal of work outside of class.
The general rule is you will need to study two hours for
every hour in class. That means if you are taking 15 credits,
you should study for 30 hours each week!
If I get involved on campus, won’t my GPA
suffer?
Actually, no. Nationwide studies show that students in-
volved in student organizations often increase their GPA
due to better time-management skills.
Are students required to lease the Tablet
PC?
No, a student may opt out of the program if their machine
meets the system requirements set by the university. The
student must fill out an opt-out form each semester.
If the student decides to bring their own tablet, they will
still be required to pay a small technology fee that includes
campus network access and basic troubleshooting from
the help desk.
Can I bring my own computer along with
my leased Tablet PC?
Yes! You can bring your own laptop, desk top, Xbox, PS3,
Wii or other electronic device to campus. You can also use
the wireless Internet to use any of these devices.
If I need a tutor, do I have to pay for one?
No! We have in-person and online tutoring available for
no cost. We also have other student development resourc-
es, such as student success assistance, personal and drug
and alcohol counseling available to all students for free.
How many students live on-campus?
We have around 600 students living in our residence halls
on-campus. DSU has approximately 1300 students attend-
ing classes on the main campus and 3100 total students.
DSU 11
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