• New Student Registration is a required program intended to prepare all new students for their first year at Black Hills State University. There are many reasons you should attend New Student Registration. You will…
• …meet with an academic advisor and set up    your fall schedule.
• …meet your future classmates.
• …get your room assignment and find out who your roommate is.
• …get your picture taken for your BUZZ card so it is ready for you when you arrive in the fall.

Yes! There are sessions designed specifically for parents. We encourage parents to attend!

We encourage families to make arrangements at home for the care of children, regardless of age. New Student Registration requires your full participation.

We will send you a written confirmation within one week of receiving your New Student Registration reservation.

New Student Registration will not take up your whole day.

Registration for the morning session will begin at 8:00 am, and registration for the afternoon session will start at 1:00 pm. The morning session will conclude around 11:30 am, with the afternoon session wrapping up around 4:30 pm. Optional tours of the residence halls and campus will be given concluding each session.  Lunch or dinner will not be included in the program, but will be available for a charge in our dining services area of the new Student Union, the "Hive," if you wish to eat on campus.  For more information on our dining services, click here.

• From I-90:
• Take Exit 12
• Drive west on Jackson Blvd to a stoplight (approx. 1 mile)
• Two blocks past third stoplight turn right on University Avenue
• Drive north to campus (2 blocks)
• From Highway 85:
• Continue south on North Avenue to Main Street
• Turn right at corner of Main Street and Jackson Blvd
• Drive west on Jackson Blvd (approx. 1 mile)
• Turn right at corner of Jackson Blvd and University Avenue
• Drive north to campus (2 blocks)

South Dakota state law requires all students to present proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to enroll in classes.

If you have a preference toward a major, it is a good idea to indicate that choice so that you can meet with someone in that area to ask questions and get more information. If you are really undecided, that’s okay too. You can change your major at any time. Academic advisors will assist you in setting up your class schedule. Also, you may visit the Career Center, located at the top level of the Student Union, and utilize the FOCUS program.

For lodging information in Spearfish, please contact the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce at (800) 626-8013. You can also visit their website at www.spearfish.sd.us/chamber (click on Our Members). Keep in mind that some of the New Student Registration dates coincide with other major events in the area. So, make your reservations early!

Parking permits will not be required for students and parents attending a New Student Registration date. However, students bringing vehicles to campus for the academic year must purchase a parking permit. Permits can be purchased at Facility Services during New Student Registration days after July 1, 2011. Permits will also be available for purchase at Facility Services during the first week of classes.

A copy of BHSU’s Fall 2011 course schedule is available for your review here. Please note this schedule is subject to change and does not reflect currently closed classes which have met capacity.

Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.

• Parents… They are certainly welcome and some sessions are designed for them.
• Questions for current student leaders.
• Questions for faculty and staff.
• If you’ve taken college credit, be sure to have your official college transcripts sent to us. If there isn’t time to have them mailed, your personal copy can be used for advising purposes.
• Photo identification and a smile… You’ll need them to get your picture taken for your BUZZ card.
• Financial Aid paperwork you’d like to turn in or ask questions about.
• Housing application and $100 deposit if you haven’t already turned it in.
• Immunization records must be submitted prior to all students registering for a New Student Registration Day.  Students without immunization records will not be allowed to participate in NSR, and will not be able to register for classes. 
• Money if you plan on eating on campus or purchasing a parking permit (available after July 1, 2011).

• If you have taken the ACT of SAT test within the last five years, great! Your test scores will be used to determine which math and English courses are right for you.
• If you have not taken the ACT or SAT test within the last five years, you will need to take the COMPASS exam prior to attending a New Student Registration session.
• If you scored exceptionally well (25 or higher) on the ACT math subtest, congratulations! You will be required to take the COMPASS exam to determine appropriate math placement.
• And, if you scored 28 or better on the English subtest, you may be eligible to test into an advanced course – be prepared to write a short essay on the morning of New Student Registration!
• If you have already taken a college level math or English course, you may or may not be required to take the COMPASS exam – please check with the Office of Admissions (605.642.6343) to be sure.

The COMPASS exam is untimed, so you can work at your own pace. Allow yourself at least 30-45 minutes for each exam. If you are only taking one exam, less time will be needed. Calculators are allowed. Graphic calculators are okay as long as they do not perform algebraic functions. The COMPASS exam will be given at 5 in the evening before each New Student Registration date. Please call (605) 642-6343 to confirm you will be taking the COMPASS exam at this time or to make other arrangements.

Yes there is! GS 100: University Experience, also known as the Black Hills First Year Experience seminar, is being offered to help students make a smooth transition in becoming college students. This 1 credit hour seminar meets for one hour weekly during the fall term.  Specific learning activities focus on:

•       Becoming a Learning Community Member at BHSU;
•       Higher Level Thinking is Critical
•       the First Year Matters;
•       Your Are in Charge of Your Own Destiny;
•       and, Engage in Learning and Living at BHSU.

The University Honors Program offers special challenges and opportunities to a select number of academically talented and highly motivated undergraduates. Members have the unique opportunity to interact with other honors students in a special curriculum that features honors courses, interdisciplinary colloquia, and research/creative activities. Joining honors can make a significant difference in your college experience and beyond. Membership can almost mean an edge on law school, medical school, and other graduate admissions, as well as access to distinguished honors faculty dedicated to meeting your learning needs as a scholar and student. To qualify for this exceptional program you must have a high school GPA of at least 3.5 and an ACT composite score of 25 or higher. For information, you can review the honors program website, or contact Amy Fuqua at (605) 642-6397 or by email at amy.fuqua@bhsu.edu.

Green & Gold Days, also known as New Student Orientation, give you an opportunity to move in and get acquainted with other new students.  Check back soon for the full Green & Gold Days schedule for more information. Come prepared to have a great time while you learn about the many advantages offered at Black Hills State University!

Yes.  If you decide to eat lunch or dinner on campus after the New Student Registration program there is a charge.  For more information on meal prices and what our dining services has to offer, please click here. Also, the bookstore will be open if you wish to purchase BHSU gifts or apparel.