Ready to earn your degree? Your first step is to apply for admission to BHSU! You can complete the application for admission one of two ways:
Other than the completed application for admission, we will also need the following in order to complete your admissions file:
Wanting to just take a few classes & not pursue a degree, or pursue teaching certification or re-certification? If so, you can apply as a non-degree seeking student. All you need to do is complete this application for admission to get started! If you apply as a non-degree seeking student, You may not be eligible to receive financial aid. If you are pursuing teacher certification or re-certification please contact Kim Nida, Assistant Director of Financial aid, at 605-642-6113 or Kim.Nida@BHSU.edu to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
I have questions and would like chat online with an Admissions representative. or Call 605.718.4373 to talk directly with an Admissions Representative.
Register For Classes:
Once accepted for admission, first time or returning students to BHSU must make an appointment to register for courses with a BHSU- Rapid City academic advisor. These students will be notified once they are eligible to register.
If you are a current BHSU student, you can register for classes once your priority date comes available by:
Registration Confirmation:
Registration confirmation is an electronic confirmation requirement which must be completed by all students in WebAdvisor. Watch for information in your BHSU email, and check WebAdvisor for the registration confirmation link which is usually visible and available about a month prior to the start of each semester. If you do not have Internet access at home, please feel free to use the computer lab at the University Center - Rapid City to complete your registration confirmation. Failure to confirm your registration could result in a loss of financial aid.
BHSU – Rapid City Class Schedules and Room Locations
Class schedules for Rapid City classes are found in two places in WebAdvisor. The class schedules for Rapid City classes can be found in WebAdvisor by selecting the appropriate semester and Black Hills State University. The location for BHSU-Rapid City classes is found by selecting "RCUC - Unv Cntr Rapid City."
For information regarding the locations of the classes -- buildings and room assignments -- it is best to look outside WebAdvisor. Go to "Academics" on the BHSU home page, then to “Rapid City Programs,” then courses, and finally click on the link for the "Printable PDF schedule." This schedule is the same schedule which is available in our administrative office at the University Center-Rapid City. It lists our classes by day and time rather than by prefix. Please note the key at the beginning of the schedule which tells you exactly where each classroom is located.
If you are looking for the location of your class at the beginning of the semester, it is best to check this schedule just before coming to class. As late enrollments change the size of the classes, it may become necessary to move a class to a larger classroom.
The Rapid City BHSU Bookstore
The BHSU - RC bookstore is located in the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61. Books for all Rapid City face-to-face classes can be purchased at the bookstore; the bookstore does not carry books for online classes. The bookstore also carries notebooks, cups, hats, shirts and other items that promote school spirit and pride with the BHSU logo. BUZZ cars can be used at the RC bookstore.
Books for RC classes can be ordered online through the BHSU Bookstore Website, but they need to be ordered in a timely manner. It takes up to four business days for a textbook to be delivered to RC depending upon the day and time at which it is ordered.
The University Center-Rapid City bookstore is open Monday-Thursday from 8:00am to 8:00pm and Friday from 8:30am to 11:30am with the exception of holidays.
Book buy back is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters on the last two days of finals week -- Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-7 PM. There is no book buy back during the summer sessions.
Watch your BHSU email for information regarding any changes in bookstore hours.
The Rapid City Computer Lab
The University Center-Rapid City, located at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61, has two computer labs available for BHSU-RC students. The PC computer lab is located in Room 106 and the Mac computer lab is located in Room 103.
To print coursework in the computer labs, your will need your BUZZ card. Remember -- BHSU puts printing money on your card at the beginning of each semester. These funds can only be used for printing and they do not carry over from semester to semester; therefore, they need to be used in a timely manner. If you require additional printing money, you may add funds to your card via the BHSU website or stopping in the administrative offices at the University Center-Rapid City.
Computer lab hours are based on the availability of student workers. For this reason, they vary each semester. Please watch your BHSU email for hours specific to each semester. Hours are also posted outside the labs.
BHSU BUZZ Cards
BHSU student ID cards are known as BUZZ cards. These cards can be used to print coursework in the computer labs located in the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61.
BUZZ cards can be obtained at the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61. Please contact Kristy Engle at 605.718.4073 to schedule a time to obtain your BUZZ card. You will need to show a picture ID when you come, and have your student ID number.
In addition to the printing funds which are put on your card by BHSU, personal funds can be added electronically to your BUZZ card. Personal funds can be used for copying and at the bookstore in both Rapid City and Spearfish, as well as in numerous locations in Spearfish -- both on campus and off campus.
To add personal funds to your BUZZ card go to the BHSU website, then to "Current Students," next to "BUZZ Card" under "Quick Links," and finally to "Activate Your Account." Here you will find instructions for adding funds to your card. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kristy Engle.
Parking in Rapid City
Students who are registered only for face-to-face classes at the University Center-Rapid City will be assessed a parking fee of $13.50 per semester (fall and spring terms only). This fee supports the maintenance of the parking lot, sidewalks, and snow removal.
The fee will appear on your bill as “UCRC Parking” and it will be added after you register for classes. Refunds, because of changes in registration, will be made following the Census date (the last day to drop or add a class with a full refund) and within 30 days of the start of classes.
Weather-Related Rapid City Class Cancellations
Those who have lived in western South Dakota for any amount of time can attest to the variability of the weather -- both from one area of the Hills to another and from one hour to the next. Whereas faculty members who teach evening classes live both inside Rapid City and outside Rapid City, it is not uncommon for some classes to be held while others are cancelled. The weather could be nonthreatening in Rapid City, but beyond Rapid City, the roads could be too dangerous to travel.
Weather-related Rapid City class cancellations are reported on the BHSU - Rapid City Weather Line. This number is 605.718.4118. This number should be kept close at hand, especially during the months prone to inclement weather. Ideally it is programmed into your cell phone to make it readily accessible when needed!
When inclement weather is approaching, weather radar maps are watched very closely. Initially the weather line recording relates the current date and the message that all Rapid City classes will be held as scheduled. Hearing the current date serves as a signal that weather conditions are being monitored.
The decision to cancel classes begins around 2:30 PM. Instructors coming from Spearfish and other out-lying areas are contacted to find out whether they will be travelling to Rapid City to teach. As information is received from various instructors, the message changes to "all classes will be held as scheduled with the exception of those taught by 'instructor x' and 'instructor y.'" As more information is received, the message will continue to change to "all classes will be held as scheduled with the exception of those taught by 'instructor x', 'instructor y' and 'instructor z'" -- and so on. The recording is updated as soon as the instructor notifies the BHSU office at the HEC.
In the event that the Rapid City School District closes, all classes at the Rushmore Building will be cancelled.
Should the cancellations come early in the day, and should the weather improve during the course of the day, all classes that have been cancelled due to school closures will remain cancelled.
Again, please be certain to check the weather line – 605.718.4118 -- to determine the status of your class during the inclement weather. Please do not call the main line for the BHSU in Rapid City. That phone line needs to remain available to office staff to contact faculty members.
Please also note that the cancellation of classes on the main campus in Spearfish does not necessarily imply the cancellation of classes in Rapid City. As previously noted, please be certain to check the weather line.
In all cases, use your best judgment in determining whether it is safe for you to travel to class. You and you alone can make that determination. Stay safe!
Business Hours for BHSU - RC Student Services
The University Center-Rapid City (UCRC) at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd., off of I-90 at Exit 61, is open from 7 AM until 6 PM Monday through Thursday and 8 AM until 5 PM on Friday. Services relating to admissions, placement testing, registering for classes, changing major, adding and dropping classes, withdrawing from the university, making payments, financial aid, BUZZ cards, VA benefits, name changes, testing, disabilities services, and the like can be found at the UCRC.
It is recommended that you call ahead (605.718.4373) to make an appointment with the person with whom you wish to meet to make certain that whoever you need is available to meet with you.
Advising
Advising services are available at the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61. Katie Pavel is available to assist you with planning your program. Should you have questions regarding a degree that is offered only in Spearfish, Katie will set up a phone conversation with an academic advisor in Spearfish to answer questions related to your major. Please call Katie at 718-4117 to make certain that she is available at a time that works best for you. She can also be reached at Katie.Pavel@BHSU.edu.
Rising Junior / CAAP Test
The Rising Junior exam, also known as the CAAP test, is an exam required of all students. Students who need to take the test are notified through a letter sent to their current mailing address as listed in WebAdvisor. This test is offered in Rapid City on a Saturday adjacent to the week during which the test is offered on the main campus. These tests are given in November and in March. Please make certain to take this exam when so notified. If you fail to take this test when notified, you will be denied the opportunity to register for future semesters.
Test review information is available on the BHSU Rising Junior Exam website and it is also available through study sessions here in Rapid City. Information specific to study sessions in a given semester is available from Carol Thomas who can be reached at 605.718.4197 or at Carol.Thomas@BHSU.edu. Please also watch your BHSU emails for information specific to each semester’s test prep sessions.
Students with Disabilities Services
Carol Thomas is the disabilities contact person for BHSU‐RC. She is available between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. She can be reached at 605.718.4197 or at Carol.Thomas@BHSU.edu. Carol will be able to provide you with the initial paperwork that needs to be completed and approved by the main campus before services can be provided. Once approval is given by the main campus, Carol can assist you with the approved accommodations. No accommodations can be made without approval from the disabilities office on the main campus. On the main campus, Mike McNeil can be reached at 605.642.6099 or Mike.McNeil@BHSU.edu.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring services are available at the University Center-Rapid City. Tutoring times, location, and subjects change every semester based on the availability of those who tutor, but typically, tutors are available for math, accounting, and writing.
Information specific to tutoring services in a given semester is available from Carol Thomas who can be reached at 605.718.4197 or at Carol.Thomas@BHSU.edu.
Another source of assistance for Rapid City students is the BHSU Writing Center. While located in Spearfish, the BHSU Writing Center provides tutoring services for students who are not on campus. Information relative to online services can be found at the Writing Center website.
Testing Services
Carol Thomas is available to proctor tests for online and correspondence courses. She is located at the University Center-Rapid City and is available between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4 PM Monday through Friday. She can be reached at 605.718.4197 or at Carol.Thomas@BHSU.edu. Please contact Carol directly to schedule a test. Proctor forms should be obtained from the course instructor and completed prior to taking the test.
Carol is also available on limited basis to provide make‐up tests for Rapid City face‐to‐face courses. Arrangements must be made with the course instructor to have the test delivered to Carol’s office. Please contact Carol as noted above to schedule a test.
Please note: Carol does not administer COMPASS tests; they are, however, administered at the University Center-Rapid City. Carol also does not administer CLEP tests; these are only available on the main campus.
Career Services
Carol Thomas is available in Rapid City to assist you in discovering a career that is suited to your interests and abilities. Once you have decided upon a career goal, she is also available to assist you planning an academic program which will support your chosen career. Carol can be reached at 605.718.4197 or at Carol.Thomas@BHSU.edu.
Faculty Contact Information
Only full-time Rapid City faculty members have faculty offices. Their offices can be found on the second floor of the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61. Office hours are included in each course syllabus and are also posted outside of room 205 in the Rushmore Building.
Part-time Rapid City faculty members can be contacted using the information provided in your course syllabus. Different faculty members choose to be contacted in different ways so please respect their wishes by contacting them as indicated on your course syllabus. Should you not be able to contact a particular faculty member using that information, please call the University Center-Rapid City at 605.718.4373.
Safety
The safety of all students is of the highest priority for the University Center-Rapid City, which is why there is a full-time on-site security officer.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation in the UCRC and the situation is not life threatening, please call UCRC security 605.718.4220; otherwise call 911.
Please do not ignore threats of violence – report them immediately.
Important Dates
Dropping classes is not the same as withdrawing from the university. If you attempt to drop all of your classes in a given semester, you are essentially withdrawing from the university. In WebAdvisor you will be able to drop all of your classes except one. To drop that final class, you must come to the University Center-Rapid City and complete a withdrawal form. Please call 605.718.4373 for further details.
Financial Aid
Shirley Brownell, financial aid assistant, is available at the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61 to answer questions and assist you with all aspects of the financial aid process. She works closely with the Spearfish campus, acting as a liaison to ensure that each student’s particular needs are addressed with confidentiality. Please call her at 605.718.4113 or email her at Shirley.Brownell@BHSU.edu for an appointment or to verify that she is available to meet with you on a walk‐in basis.
Completing the FAFSA application is the first step in applying for federal student aid. Please note: there is no fee to apply. The FAFSA, the Loan Entrance or Exit Counseling, and the Master Promissory Note are all completed online. Computers are available at the University Center for students without Internet access at home. FAFSA verification documents, BHSU award letters and other financial aid documents may be turned in to Shirley.
Deferments
Deferments should be requested to avoid late charges. Deferments are available only if an award letter has been received, but financial aid is not yet available to cover your bill by the semester due date. Please call Shirley Brownell at 605.718.4113 or stop in at the University Center-Rapid City just prior to or at the start of the semester, to discuss whether a deferment is an option for you.
Dropping Classes
Dropping classes or withdrawing from the university can have negative effects on financial aid that has already been disbursed to your account or refunded to you. If you have already received financial aid and are thinking of dropping classes or withdrawing from the university, please call Shirley Brownell at 605.718.4113 or stop in at the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61 to determine what the financial consequences will be in your particular situation.
Please make certain that you withdraw from classes which you do not intend to attend.
Even if you do not attend class, you may find yourself being held financially responsible for payment for the class. This may not occur until after the end of the semester and consequently you may find yourself in a difficult repayment situation and at risk for being turned over to collections.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to continue receiving federal student aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires that students maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of their degrees. The satisfactory academic progress policy established by the BHSU Financial Aid Office requires that all students must complete at least 67% of the cumulative attempted hours as well as maintaining a cumulative 2.00 GPA. Carefully consider the number of credit hours you can complete successfully each semester given your personal situation and seek advice when adding or dropping courses so you are able to continue making satisfactory academic progress and receiving federal aid. Shirley Brownell can assist you with questions you might have. She can be reached at 605.718.4113.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance (TA) is funding paid by an outside source such as the military, federal or state veterans’ programs, the Department of Labor, the GI Bill, and the like.
Veterans applying for tuition assistance through the federal or state veterans’ assistance programs need to work with their VA offices. The VA office will then submit authorization to Kim Nida on the BHSU Spearfish campus. These authorizations must be on file with BHSU before tuition dollars can be applied.
Active duty military students will submit a tuition assistance (TA) authorization form to Kristy Engle in the Rapid City office at the University Center-Rapid City at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off of I-90 at Exit 61. TA forms are due in our office by the first day of classes each semester. The website to go to for processing a TA form and for questions is https://www.my.af.mil/afvecprod/. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the TA form and to pay for all tuition and late fees until the TA form is turned in to BHSU. Should the tuition assistance not cover all of the monies owed, the student’s portion of the tuition and fees can be paid online through Web Advisor ‐ SDePay with a credit card (other than Visa) or a bank debit card. Paper checks or exact cash payments can be made to Kristy Engle at the UCRC.
Information regarding the GI Bill can be found by going to the BHSU Veterans Affairs website. For questions regarding tuition assistance please contact Kristy Engle at 605.718.4073 or Kristy.Engle@BHSU.edu.
Student Employment
Work study positions are available in Rapid City on a very limited basis. If you have been awarded federal work study money or are interested in student employment, please contact Maria Hartung at the University Center-Rapid City at 605.718.4194 or email her at Maria.Hartung@BHSU.edu for further information.
Scholarships
Scholarships awarded through BHSU require students to be full time. Full time students are students with a credit load of 12 or more credits per semester. You are encouraged to complete the General Scholarship Application, which has a priority deadline of February 1st each year for the following academic year.
Scholarships awarded through non-BHSU organizations have a variety of requirements. Please note: all BHSU students receiving outside scholarships and grants for the coming year or semester must notify the BHSU financial aid office as soon as possible by completing the Outside Scholarship Information Form.
Monthly Payment Plans (MPP)
Payment options are available to all students. A monthly payment is available through Nelnet Business Solutions for a $40 per semester enrollment fee. This plan usually becomes available about a month prior to the start of the semester‐‐shortly after the bills have been posted. To make 4 equal payments without a down payment, you must sign up early—as soon as the plan is available. Payments are deducted automatically from your bank or credit card account on the 5th of each month. The MPP is not available once the semester begins.
Payments for RC Classes
Payments by cash or personal check can be made at the University Center-Rapid City. Payments by eCheck, debit or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, or Discover--Visa is not accepted) can be be made on WebAdvisor using SDePay.
WebAdvisor
WebAdvisor is a very important tool that you will use throughout your college career at BHSU. On WebAdvisor you can find your class schedule, pay your bill at SDePay, check your grades, add and drop classes, and much more! Be sure to familiarize yourself with WebAdvisor as soon as possible and make certain to check it regularly for new information and announcements.
To access WebAdvisor follow the steps below:
Email for BHSU Students
Email and WebAdvisor are your lifelines to the university. All students taking a BHSU class have a BHSU email account regardless of their home university. Email should be checked regularly to make certain that important and timely information is not missed
To set up your email account for the very first time, follow the instructions below:
The BHSU Computer Center needs at least 24 hours to create your email account. If it isn’t ready the first time you try, wait a day and try again. If you are still having difficulty you will need to contact the BHSU Help Desk at 605.642.6580. BHSU strives to be a paperless university; thus, important information comes to you in your email and in your email only; so it is extremely important that you check it regularly for important information regarding your academic career.
Everbridge Emergency Broadcast System
Transcript request forms are available in Rapid City at the University Center-Rapid City; however, official transcripts can be issued only by the main campus. The form along with the appropriate fee will need to be mailed to the main campus or brought to the UCRC to be forwarded.