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Services & Support

We are happy to offer our students a variety of ongoing services and support to assist with your success while studying at BHSU. We communicate services and updates to all international students on a regular basis through frequent email newsletters, so please read your BHSU emails regularly!

Our Services Include:

Step 1

Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Services

Each semester (fall and spring), we will offer free pick-up services prior to the start of the term and a return drop-off service at the end. You are responsible for booking your flights into or out of Rapid City Regional Airport according to the dates below if you want to take advantage of this service. To request a pick-up or drop-off, you may email International@BHSU.edu at least two weeks prior to the drop-off or pick-up date specified below to secure a free shuttle. You are not guaranteed a free shuttle service unless your flight schedule is received and confirmed by our office staff.

Upcoming Services: 

 

 

Fall 2024 Drop-off

Spring 2025 Pick-up

Thursday,

Spring 2025 Drop-off

Friday, May 9, 2025

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Fall 2025 Pick-up

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Fall 2025 Drop-off

If you cannot travel on these dates, you'll need to organize your own transportation. 

Ask a roommate, friend, or classmate to help you and offer to cover the cost of gas.

Rapid Shuttle: Rapid City Shuttle Homepage

City Cab: Rapid City Taxi Cab Homepage

Lyft: Lyft - Rapid City (May or may not be available at arrival time)

Uber: Uber - Rapid City (May or may not be available at arrival time)

Step 2

Shopping Shuttle

Recognizing not all students have their own transportation, we offer a twice-monthly shuttle service to the Walmart in Spearfish.

When: Every other Wednesday 6-7:45pm when fall and spring semesters are in session
Where: Meet at the Library cul-de-sac (circle) by 6pm
Details: Shuttle departs by  6:05pm and returns to campus by 8pm. Students cannot purchase alcohol or other items that are prohibited on campus.
Departure from Walmart is at 7:45pm at the latest. If you miss the shuttle, you will need to find alternative transportation.
***Note: The shuttle will not be available if there is no school because of a holiday or snow day, or during Finals Week. The shuttle is only available during the academic year when classes are in session. 

Step 3

Obtaining a Driver's License

We can help you prepare your application for a South Dakota driver's license; however, it is your responsibility to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles   office and submit the application, take the test, and obtain the license. 

The location of the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Spearfish is:
120 Industrial Dr. Suite 3
Spearfish, SD 57783
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 8am–5pm
Website:   South Dakota Drivers Licensing Information

The Documents You Will Need:

  1. Passport
  2. I-94
  3. I-20 or DS-2019
  4. Social Security Card OR Letter from International Relations Office (Email us to request a support letter)
  5. Two place of residency documents (utility bills)
  6. International Driver's License (if applicable)
  7. Driver License Fee
Step 4

Advising

We are here to serve and support you--our international students--on personal and academic matters. It is our goal to make sure you can come to us for any assistance you need.

Walk-in Hours: Mondays and Thursdays 2-3pm

Make an Appointment:

Schedule an appointment now!  If none of the times available will work for you, please let us know, and we will work to accommodate you with additional time options. 

Remember to inform us if you: 

  • Move or change your physical address in the US
  • Change to a new major or academic program
  • Change your name
  • Will graduate earlier or later than the end date on your I-20
  • Have a change to your finances beyond your control (a.k.a. are experiencing financial exigency)
  • Are traveling outside of the US (you need an updated travel signature every 6 months!

If you need health care or counseling services, you should contact the   BHSU Student Health Services Center.

If you are in immediate danger, or have an emergency and need immediate assistance, contact Spearfish police by dialing 911 or   BHSU Public Safety  immediately by dialing +1(605)641-6988.

Step 5

READ&WRITE Software Available For Everyone At BHSU!

Black Hills State University faculty, staff, and students have access to a literacy support software called Read&Write which they can install on their work and personal devices. An inclusive learning software designed to support individual of all ages, learning styles, and abilities with their tasks in research, read, and write while using their existing tools such as word processors. BHSU's subscription includes OribitNote to read PDF documents and a separate plug-in and/or app for ePUB documents. Follow this link to access the full details and usage instructions.

Step 6

All Campus Support Services

For other support services at BHSU, consult these resources:

Contact Info

Kaitlin Palmer
International@bhsu.edu
Phone: 605-642-6942
Fax: 605-642-6254

International Relations & Global Engagement
Black Hills State University
1200 University St. Unit 9519
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799-9519