DWU - Family Handbook

For more information: (605) 995-2693 or visit www.dwu.edu/office/index.htm.

Career Services
The primary mission of the career planning and placement office is to assist DWU students and alumni in developing, evaluating, and effectively implementing their career plans. To fulfill this mission, the career center provides counseling, job search preparation and recruiting activities.

For more information: (605) 995-2950 or www.dwu.edu/careers/index.htm.

Campus Counselor
The purpose of the Campus Counselor is to assist students in developing self-understanding and resolving problems which may interfere with their ability to function. Common issues brought to counselors include loneliness, relationship concerns, family difficulties, depression, stress, sexual concerns, substance abuse issues of self-esteem, eating disorders, life transition concerns and sexual assault.

After an initial assessment is made, the counselor may recommend further counseling. When the concern requires longer-term counseling or a more specialized approach, an appropriate referral will be made. There is no fee for services.

For more information: (605) 995-2896.

Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the administration of student financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Financial aid is provided by the University, by the Federal government, by social, professional and community organizations, by banks and credit unions, by employers and by friends and graduates of the University. Qualified students may use financial aid to pay for tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses. Eligibility requirements and application procedures vary.

For more information: (605) 995-2656/(605)995-2659 or www.dwu.edu/financialaid

Dining Services
There are a variety of dining services offered for our campus community. Dining facilities operate in the Rollins Campus Center and offer students a variety of dining formats (grill, café, salad, and pasta bar) Students who live in their residence halls must purchase a food plan as part of their contract to live on campus. A special “mini” meal plan is available to commuter students. Students may add money to their flexi-cash account at any time and for any amount regardless of the meal plan selected for use at the McGovern Library Coffee Bar. Meals and flexi-cash is not transferable to another student’s meal plan, and meal plans have no cash value when the plan terminates (usually at the end of the academic year). Any remaining balance in a student’s meal plan may not be applied to money owed the University (e.g., tuition).

For more information: (605)995-2810.

Health Insurance
The University requires that all student show proof of current health insurance coverage in order to enroll in classes or live in University operated housing, or both.
Evidence of coverage must be in writing, which normally is considered a copy of an insurance identification card or a policy statement (including name of insurance provider, policy number, and company phone number). Coverage must be for the entire academic year. Students who do not have adequate coverage may purchase the DWU-sponsored Student Assurance Plan.

For more information: (605)995-2957 or www.dwu.edu/campuslife/health/insurance.htm.

Health Services and Clinic
As stated in the DWU Mission and Values, the University is committed to advancing the full, integral development of all persons. As such, DWU is dedicated to providing a wide range of health services to students to help them maintain and enhance their overall wellness.
§ Immunizations are the full responsibility of the students. Other medical services beyond the scope of clinic services (e.g. emergency room care, specialist referrals, medication, laboratory test, x-rays, etc.) are the full financial responsibility of the student. The DWU Health Services Department welcomes drop-in visits, as well as scheduled appointments. Please visit our website for all full list of health resources available to students, including student health policies (immunizations, insurance, etc.) and services.

For more information: (605) 995-2957 or www.dwu.edu/campuslife/health/index.htm.

International Student Services
International Student Services offers advising for international students and scholars on issues related to cross-cultural adjustment and immigration regulations and requirements.

For more information: (605) 995-2645.

Learning and Writing Center
The Learning and Writing Center provides individual and group tutoring for DWU students. Tutoring is free of charge to DWU students during the fall and spring semesters. The Center’s staff also assists students in forming study groups, building study skills and solving academic problems. The Learning Center offers workshops on time management and houses printed, video, and computer learning resources. The Writing Center’s staff works with students to help them improve their writing skills. Faculty members provide feedback on students writing and tailor programs of instruction to meet individual needs.

Multicultural Committee
Multicultural Committee (MCC) affirms the unique identities of all students, empowers leaders to be change agents for social justice, and builds alliances with faculty, staff, and students to create a community that honors and values diversity. MCC facilitates opportunities for students to engage in integrated learning experiences that weave cultural competency, leadership development, and ally-building. The office offers resources for every student and hopes to support families regarding issues of diversity as well.

For more information: (605) 995-2904

Public Safety
Campus Safety subscribes to a proactive approach to law enforcement, and further believes that community and security workers play a cooperative role in maintaining a safe campus environment.

Residence Life
Resident Advisors, Assistant Hall Directors and a full time professional Residential Hall Director are available to each resident to assist residents in adjusting to student life. The Office of Student Life oversees the residence halls and apartment complex on campus. A variety of living options are available to accommodate the diverse student population attending DWU. Regardless of the living environment, all residents benefit from a predictable room-and –board cost with all utilities included, education programs and social activities where students can become involved with their peers, and student leadership opportunities at the floor, hall, and campus-wide levels.

For more information: (605)995-2950 www.dwu.edu/campuslife/residencehalls/index.htm.

Student Activities
The Student Activities Board offers a variety of leadership opportunities for our student community. New Student Orientation Program, clubs and organizations, and DWU Student Senate offer students many ways to become involved and ultimately enhance their experience at Dakota Wesleyan University. The department also provides support through advising, training and leadership development programs.

Family Services Program
This program, facilitated by the Campus Life Department, is designed to weave families into the daily fabric of student life through family orientation, family weekend, workshops and other annual university events. Our goal is to involve families in the DWU experience, create awareness about university policies, procedures, and resources and help aid in the development of the student’s sense of belonging to a caring community through the incorporation of the family in events and programs.

For more information: (605) 995-2943 or www.dwu.edu/campuslife/index.htm.

Student Disability Services – Student Success Center
The primary mission of Student Disability Services is to promote a fully integrated university experience for students with disabilities by ensuring that students have equal access to all areas of university life. The university also provides educational support and assistance to students with disabilities whose goal is successful completion of college, and who take a proactive role in their own education. To fulfill this mission, SDS-SSS provides:

Eligibility for disability-related services is determined in collaboration with the university and the student after a comprehensive review of the student’s current disability documentation, personal history interview, and history of prior use of services, if appropriate. After eligibility for services is determined, appropriate reasonable accommodations are arranged. Students have a responsibility to identify themselves as students with disabilities and request accommodations in a timely manner. Communications with SDS-SSS are private and confidential. Disability-related information will not be released without written consent of the student except on a need-to-know basis.

For more information: (605) 995-2901 or www.dwu.edu/studentservices/index.htm.

Student Employment
Student employment is a form of financial aid and is offered through the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, DWU Works, and regular on-campus employment programs. Federal Work Study is a federally funded, university administered student financial aid program that enables a student to meet some educational costs through earnings from part-time employment. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for this type of aid. Employment through FWS may either be on-campus or off-campus with a non-profit agency. In addition, the university offers a number of regular on-campus jobs for students not offered financial aid but who would like an on-campus employment experience. Financial aid eligibility is not required and all full-time degree seeking students may apply for the available positions.

For more information: (605) 995-2952 or www.dwu.edu/careers/index.htm.

University ID card
The DWU ID card is issued to all registered students and functions as the official university ID card. It is automatically activated at the beginning of each semester upon enrollment. The DWU ID card provides students with access to necessary university services with the convenience of using one card. This card provides identification for all DWU community members. It permits DWU students to receive discounts and admission to DWU athletic events. It may be required to access services and for entry into offices and buildings such as the registrar, business office, McGovern Library, wellness and recreation center and all residence halls. The card is also used for meal plans and on-campus debit accounts. The card must be presented to access meal plans. The first DWU ID card is issued free of charge, and is to be used for the entire degree program while at DWU. If a student loses his or her card, a simple phone call can be made to deactivate the card. There is a $50 replacement fee for lost or stolen ID cards.

For more information: (605) 995-2667 or www.dwu.edu/campuslife/index.htm.

Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry is attentive to the individual and collective spiritual life of the University. Rooted in the United Methodist faith, Campus Ministry affirms the rich diversity of faiths represented at DWU. We provide opportunities for spiritual growth in the areas of social justice, retreats, worship, and faith formation. All members of the university community are invited to participate in our activities. Our community service programs offer volunteers opportunities, such as serving at the Love Feast. Retreat weekends provide an opportunity to reflect on selected themes in prayer, conversation and silence. Student worship is held every Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Wagner Chapel.

For more information: (605) 995-2919 or www.dwu.edu/campmin/index/htm.