General Information

Registration is by mail, email, phone, or through the NDUS Connect ND system. Registration is not complete until all fees are paid. Information concerning admission, tuition, class schedules, and registration is published each semester and can be found at Class Schedule .

Student records maintained by the university fall into two general categories-directory information and educational records. As custodian of student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the university assumes the trust and obligation to ensure full protection of student records which includes maintaining the confidentiality of educational records. The administrative procedures outlined in this section are to be complied by university personnel who have or accumulate educational records which are in a personally identifiable form. The term 'student' in this section means an eligible student under FERPA (a student at VCSU). Students may review a copy of FERPA and the regulations at the Office of the Registrar.

Directory Information
a. Directory information is information concerning a student which may be released publicly. It includes the following: the student's name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major and minor field of study, class level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height and photos of members of athletic teams, photographs, video and electronic images, dates of enrollment, degrees and honors/awards received date degree earned and names(s) of prevsious educational institution(s) attended by the student.

b. Students may request that any or all of their directory information not be made public by completing a form in the Office of the Registrar between the first and tenth day of class in a term (or between the first and tenth day of class in a summer session). This request will remain in effect for one year. The specified directory information will then be treated the same as educational records information. In responses to public inquiries, the university will verify only whether or not an individual is currently enrolled at the University.

Educational Records
Educational records are those records, files, documents, and other materials which contain information directly related to a student's academic progress, financial status, medical condition, etc. and are maintained by Valley City State University or a party acting on behalf of the university. Educational records include more than academic records. Educational records, with the exception of those designated as directory information, may not be released without the written consent of the student to any individual, agency, or organization other than specifically authorized personnel. A complete copy of the VCSU Student Record Policy can be found in the Student Handbook.

FERPA privileges cease upon the death of a student. A written and signed request from the decedent's parent, guardian or spouse is required for release of this information.

If for any reason a graduate student finds it necessary to withdraw from Valley City State University during the semester, an official withdrawal form must be signed by his/her advisor and filed with the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Graduate Studies. The withdrawal form is available on the graduate website on the forms page. Failure to follow the regular procedure may result in the student receiving failing grades in all courses for that semester. The final day to withdraw from a semester is the final day of the course. If the student is receiving financial aid he or she must visit with a Financial Aid counselor to develop a repayment plan. In case of an emergency withdrawal it is the responsibility of the student to notify a university official.

It is the responsibility of each graduate student to understand the graduate policies and procedures and to maintain the standards for graduate study at Valley City State University.

For more information concerning graduate policies and procedures see Resources & Forms and download the Graduate Catalog.