DCE FAQ
- Is Distance and Continuing Education accredited?
- I want to send mail to DCE, what is the mailing address?
- I want to stop by the DCE office, where is it located?
- What are DCE's office hours?
- Is there parking available if I need to visit your office?
- How do I get my transcript?
- I am taking a high school correspondence class, who should I contact with questions?
- How do I register for a course through the Tri-College?
- How do I get admitted to DCE?
- What is the admissions process for students who are returning to NDSU?
- If I am a Non-Degree Seeking student, how many credits can I register for?
- How do I register for a DCE online course?
- I want to drop a DCE course after the deadline, how do I do this? Will I get refunded? How do I add a class?
- How are courses delivered?
- What is Blackboard?
- How do I get started using Blackboard, how do I log in to Blackboard?
- My Blackboard is not working, how do I request help?
- I have a question regarding my course, who do I contact?
- I am unable to make it to class, who do I contact?
- Where do I get my books?
- How much do DCE courses cost? Are DCE courses covered under the Tuition cap? What if I am taking more than 12 degree eligible credits?
- Is financial aid available for DCE courses?
- Who should I contact with questions?
1. Is Distance and Continuing Education accredited?
DCE is not accredited. NDSU is accredited as an institution by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Some programs that DCE offers may be accredited separately, a list of those programs will be posted in the near future.
Go Back2. I want to send mail to DCE, what is the mailing address?
North Dakota State UniversityDistance & Continuing Education
1919 N. University Drive
Dept. 2020
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
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3. I want to stop by the DCE office, where is it located?
Our office is located in the Stop and Go Center Building on University Drive in North Fargo.
We are northeast of the Fargo Dome and north of Stop and Go on University Drive. The entrance
to the DCE office faces to the west and is located next to the Human Resources and Payroll office.
SGC Building
1919 N. University Drive
Fargo, ND 58102 View Map
4. What are DCE's office hours?
School Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Monday through FridaySummer Hours:7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday (Effective mid May- mid August)
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5. Is there parking available if I need to visit your office?
Yes, you can park right outside our office. There is no pay lot.
Go Back6. How do I get my transcript?
To order an official transcript go to: www.getmytranscript.comTo order an unofficial transcript:
Ordering Instructions.
To view or print unofficial copies of your transcript:
- Under NDSU Hotlinks click 'Campus Connection'
- Under Menu click "What is My User ID" link
- Fill out information & submit. Write down your User ID. Note: Your User ID will be a W followed by 7 numbers. Your User ID is also known as your Student ID and may be asked for when communicating with our office.
- Click 'Forgot My Password' on the Menu
- Fill out information, password will be emailed Note: If you do not have access to the email account they indicate please contact the North Dakota University System help desk toll-free at 1-866-457-6387.
- Use that User ID & Password to login to Campus Connection.
- Under Menu click "Academic Records"
- Then click "View Unofficial Transcript"
- In the next screen, choose "North Dakota State University" for the Academic Institution and choose "Unofficial Transcript" for the Report Type, then click the "Go" button.
7. I am taking a high school correspondence class, who should I contact with questions?
If you are taking high school correspondence classes you need to contact the High School Center for Distance Education at 701-231-6000 or email ndcde.enroll@sendit.nodak.edu.
Go Back8. How do I register for a course through the Tri-College?
Distance and Continuing Education courses are not offered through the Tri-College. Visit Tri-College for more information regarding courses.
Go Back9. How do I get admitted to DCE?
If you are taking a DCE course for University credit, you will need to apply for admission to NDSU. If you have not already, learn how to apply for admission to NDSU.
Go Back10. What is the admissions process for students who are returning to NDSU?
Returning students are those who have previously attended NDSU, but who have not been in attendance for at least one full regular semester (fall or spring). Returning students are required to complete the Reactivation of Student Status form available on the Bison Connection website.
If you are a former graduate student who has not been registered for 1-4 semesters you must contact the NDSU Graduate School to reactivate, if you have been out for more than 4 semesters, you will need to reapply to the program.
Go Back11. If I am a Non-Degree Seeking student, how many credits can I register for?
Undergraduate students are permitted to complete up to 15 total credits. Graduate students with a non-degree status can take an unlimited number of credits, however no more than 10 credits taken under non-degree status with a grade of B or higher may be transferred to any official program.
Go Back12. How do I register for a DCE online course?
The process for registering for DCE online courses is the same as registering for all other NDSU courses unless otherwise stated. Visit the Registration Instructions on the Registration and Records page to learn how to register for NDSU courses.
Go BackDCE follows the standard university academic deadlines, policies and procedures for course drop/adds, refunds and withdrawals.
Dropping a Class
Dropping a Class occurs when a student wishes to discontinue enrollment in a particular course, but wants to continue taking classes during the semester. Dropping a course can be completed online using Campus Connection for a 100% refund of tuition and fees as long as the drop occurs before the first 9% of the class has been completed. The class length calculation is based on the start and end date of the class listed on the Class Schedule on Campus Connection and includes all calendar days, not just class days.
Refunds are not given for classes dropped on or after 9% of the course is completed.
No-record drops
Students may drop a course from their schedule without it appearing on their academic record until the published No Record Drop deadline.
Record (W) drops
Students may continue to drop courses after the no-record drop period until the published Drop deadline. However, such drops will be recorded on student transcripts with "W". These indicators do not affect grade-point averages, but are counted in attempted credits for financial aid satisfactory academic progress.
**Note: Dropping a class may have an impact on your Financial Aid. Before dropping a class, please contact Student Financial Services to see if the change in course credits will affect your financial aid award. Also, see the Dropping vs. Withdrawing page for information on refunds of tuition and fees.
To Drop a Class
- Log on to the Portal
- In the left navigation menu, click: 'Enrollment > Enrollment: Add Class'
- Select the checkbox for the class you wish to drop
- Click 'Drop Selected Classes'
- Verify the course(s) you wish to drop and click 'Finish Dropping'
- Watch for Success or Error messages *(Note: Courses with errors are not removed from your schedule.)
Students are encouraged to use Campus Connection as the primary method of making registration changes (Adding or Dropping classes). In the event of Campus Connection downtime or instances when assistance is needed, a paper version of the Change in Registration Form can be obtained and completed at the Office of Registration and Records, 110 Ceres Hall.
Getting a Refund for Dropped Classes
Deadlines and dates may vary if individual class start/end dates differ from the general session dates in which the class is assigned. Registration deadlines for standard-length fall and spring semester courses are posted online. Deadlines for variable length and summer session courses are adjusted proportionately.
Withdrawing to Zero Credits
Students who have registered and then wish to drop all courses after the semester start date must officially withdraw from the university. Failure to initiate the withdrawal process may result in "F" grades and financial obligations that otherwise might be avoided. Refer to the section on Financial Information for prorated refund deadlines for withdrawals. Procedures to withdraw from all courses include the following:
- Read and complete the Withdrawing to Zero Credits form.
- Contact the Counseling Center or Disability Services if assistance is needed in addressing academic, personal, financial, or other concerns.
- Withdrawal forms are to be submitted to Bison Connection, Memorial Union.
- Students are responsible for any unpaid bills at the time of withdrawal.
- Withdrawal forms must be submitted by the published deadline of the semester. Withdrawals after this date will not be processed without evidence of a compelling reason or circumstances beyond the student's control. Courses already completed at the time of withdrawal from a term will be withdrawn as well. Students should not attempt to drop all of their courses, their last course or their only course online. Unlike refunds for individual course drops, withdrawal refunds are prorated and are based on complete withdrawals and withdrawal dates.
| Percent of Enrollment Period Completed | Tuition & Fees Refunded |
|---|---|
| 0.000%-8.99% | 100% |
| 9.000%-34.999% | 75% |
| 35.000%-59.999% | 50% |
| 60.000%-100.000% | 0% |
Adding a Class
Students may add courses to their schedules via Campus Connection until the published deadline to add online. After this deadline, an authorized "Class Permit" for each course to be added must be acquired from the department offering the course and submitted to the Office of Registration and Records or Bison Connection.
Go Back14. How are courses delivered?
-
Web-Based Courses
Generally most instructors use a learning management system (LMS) called Blackboard to post a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Some instructors use their own sites and then students are contacted by email. -
Face-To-Face Courses
Run the same as other on-campus face-to-face courses, but often have evening start times or may be offered at off-campus locations. -
Print-Based Courses
Most print-based courses have a printed packet that includes a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors that can be purchased at the NDSU Bookstore. Coursework is completed at the student's pace and is turned in to the DCE office by the end of the semester.
Blackboard is an online course management system that allows professors to post grades, information, and assignments. Blackboard allows students to:
- Hold discussions with their instructors and with other students
- Turn in assignments
- Take quizzes and tests
- Check grades for their courses in Blackboard
16. How do I get started using Blackboard, how do I log in to Blackboard?
If you are enrolled at NDSU
- Access Blackboard from the NDSU home page click the Blackboard link under "Online Services") or go directly the Blackboard website.
- Click the Login button at the top of the screen, OR click the "Click here to login" link
- Type your Username: (your NDSU electronic ID - i.e. firstname.lastname)
- Enter your Password: (the same password you use to access your NDSU email using Webmail)
- Click the Login button If you are unable to login to Blackboard with your NDSU username and password, contact the ITS Help Desk (231-8685, Option 1) or E-Mail: ndsu.helpdesk@ndsu.edu. Help Desk locations: 150A IACC, Downtown Campus 420, Library 14
Visit NDSU ITS for further information regarding Blackboard
If you are not a NDSU registered student and are taking a course through Distance and Continuing Education, contact Karen Murie at 701-231-8638 or karen.murie@ndsu.edu.
Go Back17. My Blackboard is not working, how do I request help?
- Login to Blackboard
- Click the Bb Help tab at the top of the screen
- Select the appropriate option from the list -- OR --
- Click the links in the "Quick Tutorials" section for more information
18. I have a question regarding my course, who do I contact?
Please contact your instructor with all questions regarding course information.
Go Back19. I am unable to make it to class, who do I contact?
Please contact your instructor regarding your attendance.
Go BackYour syllabus will tell you what books and supplies are needed. Generally textbooks, print-based packets and other supplies needed for your DCE courses are available at the NDSU Bookstore. If a packet is not available at the bookstore contact DCE toll-free at 1-800-726-1724, locally: 701-231-7015.
Go BackCost
Courses offered through DCE are charged at the current NDSU North Dakota Residency rates, regardless of your location or residency. If you are seeking a degree, DCE tuition may be paid through Bison Connection or via Campus Connection. DCE will be listed on a separate line on your NDSU account statement. If you have a specific question regarding your DCE tuition please contact DCE toll-free at 1-800-726-1742, locally: 701-231-7015.
Tuition CapDCE courses count toward credit totals but are not covered under the NDSU tuition cap and are not eligible for waivers. You will be charged for each DCE credit over the full-time credit load (12-fall/spring, 9-summer). If you are enrolled in fewer credits than full-time, you will be charged per credit, at the NDSU North Dakota tuition rate, just like regular courses.
Taking More than 12 Degree Eligible CreditsIf you are taking more degree eligible credits than the full-time credit load (12-fall/spring, 9-summer) you will be charged for each DCE credit over the full-time credit load.
Go Back22. Is financial aid available for DCE courses?
DCE degree eligible courses count toward your total credits for full-time student status for financial aid. For financial aid recipients, DCE tuition and fees are due and payable at the Customer Accounts office upon disbursement. For more information, visit NDSU Student Financial Services.
Go Back23. Who should I contact with questions?
- Questions regarding DCE courses please email NDSU.DCE@ndsu.edu or call toll-free: 1-800-726-1724, locally: 701-231-7015.
- If you have questions regarding course instructions and material please contact the course instructor.
- Questions regarding admission to NDSU, visit the Office of Admission website or call toll-free: 1-800-488-NDSU, locally: 701-231-8643.
- Questions regarding Graduate School visit NDSU Graduate School or call 701-231-7033 or email ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu.
- If you have questions about financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services or call toll-free: 1-866-924-8969, locally: 701-231-6200.