Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Division of Continuing & Distance Education


Michael Card, Ph.D.
Associate Provost, Dean of Distance Education

University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
McKusick Center, Room 211
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 800-233-7937 or 605-658-6140
cde@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/online

The mission of the Division of Continuing & Distance Education (CDE) is to extend the academic resources of the University to the citizens of South Dakota, the region, and beyond. The Division of Continuing and Distance Education provides students the opportunity to obtain a degree, advance credentials, or simply learn more about a topic of interest through credit and noncredit instruction. The University of South Dakota, is approved by the Higher Learning Commission (http://www.ncahlc.org/) to offer face-to-face courses to Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, Watertown, and Yankton, South Dakota. Moreover, the University offers 44 robust online programs facilitated by the Division of Continuing and Distance Education. Face-to-face courses are extended throughout South Dakota, the United States and at select international locations. Furthermore, the Division of Continuing and Distance Education at the University of South Dakota also oversees Customized and Contract Education, Testing Services, Dual-Credit, and the Summer University program at the Indian University of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial.

State Authorization

The United States Department of Education requires all institutions of higher education to seek authorization in every state and territory in which they provide educational opportunities, physically or virtually.  The University of South Dakota is committed to complying with other states’ authorization requirements so we can continue to provide access to educational opportunities.  For more information, visit: www.usd.edu/usd-online/student-resources/state-authorization.

South Dakota is a member state of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and USD is a SARA institutional member. As such, the University of South Dakota is authorized to deliver online education and perform certain educational activities in each of the member states of the reciprocity agreement (47 states are members of SARA as of March 8, 2017). SARA also requires specific permission to perform certain educational activities in another state, U.S. Territory, on an Indian Reservation, or in some countries other than the United States.

Authorization by State

Course and program availability varies by state. Admission into a program is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission. If a student moves to a different state after admission to the program, continuation within the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student is physically present. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in physical presence. Whether military personnel stationed outside the state of South Dakota may enroll or continue in a USD distance education program or not is based on where military personnel are stationed.

In order to ensure that any educational programs and activities you are considering outside of South Dakota have authorization, and to be sure you are able to pursue these opportunities, please contact the Division of Continuing & Distance Education at 800-233-7937 or by e-mail at cde@usd.edu.

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota at this time cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets requirements for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact that state’s appropriate licensing board to determine whether the USD program meets licensure/certification requirements in that state. If you need assistance finding contact information for your state, or if you need additional information regarding professional licensure/certification, please contact us toll-free at 800.233.7937 or by e-mail at cde@usd.edu.

USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

Student Complaints

Complaints and Concerns

Distance Education Complaints and Concerns

Notification of Complaint Process for Program Integrity

Consumer Protection Laws

Contact Information For Students Residing In States Other Than South Dakota Who Have Complaints Relating Specifically To Distance Learning Or Correspondence Education

Refund Policy

Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid

Complete Withdrawal Form (Use if dropping all your courses within the 100% refund period)

Petition for Late Drop Withdrawal Form (Use form to request and document your rationale for a refund from USD, or for dropping courses after the 70% refund period)