Academic Advisement
Making decisions about college can be confusing, especially if you try and go it alone. At WSC we are committed to helping make sense of your educational journey with advising opportunities offered through a variety of means. Whether you are interested in a terminal degree in a technical field or plan to transfer to another college or university after WSC, you should take advantage of advising services available to you. Program scheduling and class planning for students is coordinated through the Office for Academic Affairs. Students are assigned advisors based on their selected field of study. Advisors assist students with program selection, course selection, and formulation of future plans. Students must meet with their advisor prior to each term of enrollment. Students may change advisors by request to the Office for Academic Affairs.
Look beyond your degree at WSC and plan to continue your education by working closely with your WSC advisor and with representatives of your intended transfer school. You may find significant tuition savings by completing an associate degree with WSC before transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree. Generally, lowerdivision credits will normally be accepted for transfer from accredited North Dakota community colleges to North Dakota four-year institutions, but checking with your intended transfer institution about rules and limitations relating to the transfer of WSC credits is important.
Even if you are still undecided on what program you want to study, or you are just curious about what careers may fit you best, WSC is the perfect place for you to discover a program of interest and discover your college pathway to success.
Adult Basic & Secondary Education
The WSC Adult Learning Center coordinates the Adult Basic and Secondary Education Program. This program provides services to help adults increase knowledge and improve skills essential in today’s world. The four main areas of service are:
- Literacy Skills: Provide literacy skills to adults who are unable to read.
- Basic Skills: Enable adults to acquire basic skills in mathematics, English, social studies, science, basic computer skills, employability skills, and career planning.
- GED: Prepare adults for the General Education Development (GED) tests. A GED High School Diploma is issued through the State Adult Education and Family Literacy office of the Department of Public Instruction to those who successfully complete the exams.
- English Language Learning: Provide adults who are unable to speak, read, or write the English language with skills to learn the English language.
For more information visit www.willistonstate.edu/adultlearning.
Demonstration of Competencies
MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS
Credit may be granted based upon the recommendations of the American Council on Education, in accordance with the institutional Credit for Prior Learning Policy.
COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
WSC awards credit for completion of CLEP subject exams following the minimum requirements for CLEP test scores and credits as approved by the NDUS. WSC does not award credit for CLEP general exams.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
AP credits awarded to students completing high school AP courses and exams according to the standards approved by the NDUS.
CREDIT FOR INDUSTRY / CERTIFICATION
WSC permits students to demonstrate college level competency and establish college credits through the successful completion of approved industry training, in accordance with the institutional Credit for Prior Learning Policy.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO
WSC permits students to demonstrate college level competency and establish college credits, in accordance with the institutional Credit for Prior Learning Policy by successfully completing portfolio(s) demonstrating and documenting learning gained from non-academic sources equivalent to traditional non-resident courses.
CHALLENGE EXAMINATION
WSC may permit students to demonstrate college level competency and establish college credits by successfully passing an institutional challenge examination, in accordance with the institutional Credit for Prior Learning Policy.
PROPER DOCUMENTATION
Proper documentation, as outlined in WSC’s Credit for Prior Learning Policy, for each Demonstration of Competency shall be considered valid upon review and approval by the Credit for Prior Learning contact, in accordance with the institutional Credit for Prior Learning Policy.
Non-Credit Examinations
AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT)
The ACT is a nationally developed and scored examination, administered several times each year. For specific test dates and registration deadlines visit their website at www.actstudent.org.
PEARSON VUE CERTIFICATION TESTING
Pearson Vue is a computer-based testing business and delivers exams on a secure network through WSC. GED is the main test given through Pearson Vue in our area. The North Dakota GED High School Diploma is based upon the successful completion of four exams: reasoning through language arts, science, social studies, and math. Persons who pass the GED test receive the North Dakota GED High School Diploma from the Department of Public Instruction. The GED is intended for persons 16+ years old and have withdrawn from their regular high school program.
Candidates are not required to take any courses or to prepare in any way for the GED test. However, candidates may wish to assess their current academic skills or improve skills by attending the Adult Learning Center, which provides instruction in the four content test areas, keyboarding and computer literacy, as well as career and college readiness. Instructional services are free and classes are held Monday - Friday and evenings to meet your personal schedule and needs. For more information visit www.willistonstate.edu/Community/Adult-Learning-Center.html.
Credit for Prior Learning
WSC may award credit for learning that took place outside a formal college setting, at unaccredited and non-degree granting institutions, or for courses in which students have superior preparation or knowledge directly related to existing courses in the College catalog.
GUIDELINES
Credit may be earned if an enrolled student demonstrates the competencies required for existing courses at WSC. Prior learning credit may be awarded for a military training program, credit for an industry/ certification program, experiential learning programs, or the challenge of an examination. Credit will be awarded upon verification of the approved Demonstration of Competencies established in WSC’s Credit for Prior Learning Policy.
A maximum of fifteen credits may be awarded per student for prior learning through approved means to meet associate degree or diploma requirements.
A maximum of no more than half of the credits required for a certificate program may be awarded.
Grades will be awarded based on WSC’s Credit for Prior Learning grading policy or established articulation agreements where they exist.
A recording fee of half the regular tuition rate per credit hour will be charged for posting the credits earned through the prior learning process.
Students intending to transfer to other institutions after study at WSC are advised to contact the transfer institution in regard to the acceptance of prior learning credits.
Accessibility Support Services
WSC provides appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, free of charge. The goal of support services is to provide equal access and opportunity to all academic programs and campus activities for students with disabilities and to serve as a resource for accessibility awareness and accommodations.
The Accessibility & Retention Specialist promotes the philosophy of equal access and opportunity with all WSC administrators, faculty, staff, and students, and is a resource for faculty and staff on accessibility issues. The Accessibility & Retention Specialist can refer eligible students with disabilities to academic support services and encourages self-advocacy for students with disabilities to increase their independence and level of self-sufficiency. The Accessibility & Retention Specialist also makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate (e.g. Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling Services).
For additional information, please contact the Accessibility & Retention Specialist at 701.774.4224.
Counseling Services
WSC’s campus Health and Wellness Services are available at no cost to currently enrolled students. This service offers confidential consultation, brief intervention, and referrals. Counseling/Health and Wellness services works to promote students’ academic success while also caring for the student as a whole. Confidentially applies, with some exceptions including being in danger to oneself or others, child abuse, neglect, and medical emergencies. Health and Wellness Services offers students a trained Social Worker who can offer objective, non-judgmental feedback about student issues. A case manager will help connect and refer students to appropriate services and supports on campus and throughout the community. Health and Wellness Services is a holistic approach designed to help students meet their goals. By appointment, students also have the ability to connect to professional counselors on other North Dakota University System campuses.
For additional information, please visit https://www.willistonstate.edu/students/Student-Services/Counseling/Health and Wellness Coordinator 701-774-4212 Steven’s Hall, Office 129
Housing & Dining Services
WSC campus housing provides students with community living opportunities that promote personal and social development, foster citizenship, generate a sense of belonging, and build community. Limited apartment style housing is also available. All housing units are governed by campus disciplinary policy as outlined in the WSC Housing Contract and WSC Student Code of Conduct.
Current WSC students may occupy campus housing units. A non-refundable $40 fee is required for all housing applications.
WSC provides coin operated laundry facilities, mail, and internet services to its campus housing residents. Dormitory-style housing is fully furnished but students are required to provide their own linens. Apartment style housing is unfurnished.
The Teton Grill is located in Stevens Hall. Students in Frontier and Nelson Halls are required to purchase a minimum meal plan each semester. Meal plans are optional for all other residence halls.
More detailed housing information, including housing contracts, applications, and rates, may be found on the WSC website at www.willistonstate.edu/housing.
Student Health Insurance
Students not covered under their family’s health insurance plan may obtain a student health insurance policy directly from a vendor of their choice
International students from countries other than Canada and Norway are required to carry a health insurance policy while enrolled at WSC. Coverage is available for international students through NDUS’s contracted insurance vendor. Applicants may contact the Student Affairs office at 701.774.4295 or wsc.studentaffairs@willistonstate.edu for more information.
Enrollment at WSC does not automatically provide insurance coverage to students. WSC does not provide medical services, nor is the College responsible for accidents or injury occurring in the classroom, shop, laboratory, or other areas of the campus when college is in session or at any other time.
Andrea’s [Bookstore]
The WSC bookstore, Andrea’s, is operated as a service to students, faculty, and staff for the purchase of textbooks, supplies, drinks, and snacks as well as WSC apparel. Teton Java, located in Andrea’s, is a full-service coffee bar. Andrea’s is operated by the College, and its revenues are applied toward the financial obligation associated with WSC.
Learning Commons [Library]
The mission of WSC’s Learning Commons (Library) is to provide access to the materials, services, and facilities necessary to meet the current and future informational needs of WSC students, faculty, and staff.
The Learning Commons, located on the second floor of Stevens Hall, originated in the spring of 1966 with a sizable collection transferred from the Memorial Library of the Grand Masonic Lodge of North Dakota. The present collection, which is continually updated and expanded, supports the curriculum of the College with books, electronic databases, and audio/visual materials. The electronic databases provide access to academic journals, ebooks, newspapers, and news magazines.
Joining the Online Dakota Information Network (ODIN) has allowed the Learning Commons to expand its services. In addition to providing access to the WSC Learning Commons resources, ODIN provides access to a statewide Library Catalog. Resources not available locally may be requested through interlibrary loan.
The Learning Commons is designed with an open atmosphere, incorporating social areas with comfortable seating in addition to space for individual and group studying. There are computers available for use: desktops are located at a standing bar, and laptops are available for check out. All computers are connected to a printer/copier/scanner.
In addition to learning resources and computer use, the Learning Commons can provide students with graphing calculators to checkout, research assistance, and test proctoring. (Test proctoring available to WSC students only)
The College community and the general public are encouraged to utilize library services and facilities. The general public must check in with the circulation desk prior to any use of library computers. Printers are for student academic use only.
Extended Learning
E-LEARNING
College classes aren’t just for traditional classrooms anymore. There are more options than ever before for earning college credit. E-Learning at WSC utilizes technology to reach any student, regardless of location. This type of instruction is a great fit for students who enjoy a flexible class schedule and who are motivated to succeed. Many students choose to supplement their on-campus classes with online courses which affords them a larger variety of course options as they plan their schedules. High school students may also choose to enroll in online courses as an Early Entry student.
WSC offers a variety of general education, elective, and technical courses that can lead to a Certificate of Completion, Program Certificate, Associate in Applied Science Degree, Associate in Arts degree, and/or an Associate in Science degree.
Online Options
WSC offers several academic pathways that can be completed entirely online:
Accounting (AAS)
Business Management (AAS)
Liberal Arts Transfer (AA/AS)
Trainnd Northwest
TrainND Northwest meets the workforce training needs of Northwestern North Dakota as part of statewide TrainND’s workforce training network. TrainND Northwest focuses on creating partnerships with business and industry in an effort to foster an environment of safety and continuous improvement all centered on providing North Dakota with a competitive workforce
TrainND locations are strategically placed to meet the industry-specific needs in each region of the state. TrainND works with business, industry, government agencies, and non-profits to assess training needs and to deliver timely, relevant, cost effective training that maximizes employee productivity and improves entity performance. Well-trained, prepared employees consistently contribute more efficiently to the workplace. TrainND is served by expert trainers who are passionate about providing the instruction employees need to succeed. Trainers keep pace with emerging trends and technology as informed by industry and other professional experts. Training can be customized to teach employees new skills, and to retrain or update existing skills.
Training provided by TrainND is offered through open enrollment and industry contractual arrangements. For specific information related to your training needs, please log on to https://www.willistonstate.edu/Community/TrainND.html for further information and class enrollment. TrainND offerings are not for college credit. For college credit offerings, please contact WSC Admissions at wsc.admission@willistonstate.edu.
Student Activities
In addition to intellectual enrichment, WSC provides a number of activities and organizations to further develop students’ social, cultural, interpersonal, and physical abilities. Students are encouraged to participate in the various on-campus activities and organizations. Organizations currently active on campus are defined below.
Please contact Student Life for any questions concerning any current student activities or to discuss possible new activities on campus at 701.774.4213 or wsc.studentlife@willistonstate.edu.
*Organizations that offer scholarships to active student members
Active Minds
Active Minds is a national non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing the student voice to raise mental health awareness among college students. Membership is open to students who are passionate about eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and students who have interest in working in the mental health field. Advisor: LeeAnn Clark at 701.774.4212 or leeann.clark@willistonstate.edu
Agriculture Club
Agriculture Club gives students a chance to be involved in all aspects of the agriculture field and industry, while furthering their education and networking connections. Ag Club plays a key role in promoting student leadership and students will have the opportunity to participate in local, state (collegiate), and national agriculture conferences and activities. Advisor: Jessalyn Bachler at 701.774.4532 or Jessalyn.bachler@willistonstate.edu
Astronomy Club
Astronomy Club is open to both WSC students and the public. Anyone interested in learning about current astronomy topics is welcome to attend the monthly meetings. In addition to monthly meetings, sky observation sessions for public outreach and education are held occasionally throughout the year. Advisor: Susan Zimmerman at 701.774.4232 or s.zimmerman@willistonstate.edu.
Computer Technology Club
The WSC Computer Technology Club is a college-wide club that is designed for students planning careers in information technology, automation technology, computer, or business technology fields. The goals of the club are to: complement classroom studies, provide students with opportunities to participate in the information and automation technology community, explore various career opportunities, provide insight and guidance to Computer Technology Club members, help students majoring in information and automation technology be committed to a career, and help students become future leaders in information technology. Advisor: Leah Windnagle 701.774.4220 or leah.windnagle@willistonstate.edu.
CRU
This nondenominational student-led group is a Christian organization that meets regularly during the academic year and provides activities in a Christian atmosphere. Weekly gatherings are small-group style, discussing a wide range of topics through a biblical perspective. Advisor: Steven Grunenwald at 701.774.4255 or steven.grunenwald@willistonstate.edu.
Decisions and Dice Club (D&D)
Decisions and Dice Club (D&D Club) is open to any student that is interested in learning about and/or participating in tabletop role-playing games. The focus of the club will be arranging games for students to be able to participate in adventures, working with others as a group and experiencing the effects of decisions made within the game structure. The D&D Club will be available to experienced players, new players, and those who are simply curious to see what role-playing games are about. Advisor: Derek VanderMolen at 701.774.4237 or derek.vandermolen@willistonstate.edu
Diversity Club
This club promotes an accepting environment of all students at WSC. Students will help organize and coordinate multicultural events. Advisor: Ryan Freels, 701.774.4503 or ryan.freels@willistonstate.edu
Esports
eSports will be open to any student that is interested in learning about and/or participating in the world of competitive video games. The focus of the club will be practicing as a team and arranging games against other colleges and their students. eSports will be available to experienced players, new players, and those who are simply curious to see what video games are all about. Advisor: Chris Kadrmas at 701.774.4528 or c.d.kadrmas@willistonstate.edu.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
WSC’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate Chapter provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge of business, accounting, information technology, and sports & recreation outside the classroom. This organization allows students to develop personally and professionally through innovative career and leadership development events, and is open to students of all majors. Advisor: Leah Windnagle at 701.774.4220 or leah.windnagle@willistonstate.edu and Maren furuseth at 701.774.4298 or maren.furuseth@willistonstate.edu.
Massage Therapy Club
The Massage Therapy Club strives to promote the awareness of the benefits of massage on campus and in the community by providing educational and hands-on sessions for people to learn more about massage. Advisor: Wendy McGinley at 701.774.4293 or wendy.mcginley@willistonstate.edu
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
The Alpha Rho Lota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society. Students who have earned 12 semester hours of credit and have earned/ maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.20 while enrolled at WSC may become members. The purpose of the organization is to promote scholarships, develop leadership and service, and cultivate fellowship among qualified students of the college. Advisor: Amanda Davis at 701.774.4504 or amanda.davis@willistonstate.edu
Skills USA
Skills USA is a national educational organization for college students enrolled in a trade, industrial, technical, or health occupation. Members organize and participate in state and national competitions, community service projects, social activities, and professional development programs. Advisor: Leah Windnagle701.774.4220 or leah.windnagle@willistonstate.edu
Student Ambassadors*
WSC student ambassadors are a select group of students who interact with prospective students, parents, alumni, and the community as a means to recruit. As official representation of the College, this position is held in high honor. Members will represent students’ leadership in an articulate manner, promote the positive image of the College, and respond to the College’s needs. Advisor: Ashley Olson 701.774.4202 or ashley.olson.12@willistonstate.edu
Sudent Nurses Organizations (SNO)
All nursing students are eligible for membership in the Student Nurses Organization. This organization actively promotes and supports nursing and healthcare/wellness at WSC and in the community. Members organize and work on projects throughout the year. Advisor: Gail Raasakka at 701.774.4290 or gail.raasakka@willistonstate.edu
Student Senate*
The purpose of Student Senate is to advocate for the WSC student body and to act as a liaison for students to the administration, alumni, state and community. Student Senators are a select group and are official representatives of the college and held high in honor. Members represent student leadership in an articulate manner, promote the positive image of the college, and respond to the student body and college’s needs. Advisor: Chris Kadrmas at 701.774.4213 or c.d.kadrmas@willistonstate.edu.
Teton Activity Board* (TAB)
TAB brings new and exciting events to WSC. Members offer the WSC student body opportunities for involvement by developing, planning and executing entertainment, activities, and personal enrichment possibilities. Advisor: Chris Kadrmas at 701.774.4528 or c.d.kadrmas@willistonstate.edu.
Tetons Lead
Service learning is defined as combining meaningful community service and reflection to enhance learning and strengthen communities. Each student participating must complete 40 hours of service learning during the academic year in order to receive the certificate of completion and recognition in the graduation program. Advisors: Maren Furuseth at 701.774.4298 or maren.furuseth@willistonstate.edu
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