Student Opportunity and Resource Center
The Student Opportunity and Resource (SOAR) Center provides a variety of learning services to support students, faculty and staff in academic excellence at Dickinson State University. From Disability Support Services to Peer Tutoring and Title IV TRIO Student Support Services funding, the SOAR Center works collaboratively to enhance the mission of Dickinson State University through high-quality, accessible programs, promoting excellence in learning and supporting scholarly activities. The Student Opportunity and Resource Center is located in May Hall, 2nd floor, and it is open M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff members can be contacted at 701-483-2089.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising through the SOAR Center provides support for first and second year students, undeclared students, and transfer students. Advising focuses on addressing current academic need, transitioning to discipline specific advisor and serving as a point-of-contact for support services.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services coordinates the application and accommodation process for students with disabilities; counsels students with disabilities to determine program services over the course of each academic year; coordinates notification of accommodations for faculty, instructors, and other appropriate professionals; and coordinates proctored test sessions along with disseminating information about accommodations and building inclusive, accessible learning environments. Students typically need to have documentation of how their disability impacts a major life activity, such as learning, from a qualified professional (e.g. medical professional) to determine accommodations.
First Year Experience (FYE)
The Dickinson State University First Year Experience (FYE) Committee works to improve the overall student experience and ensure alignment between Dickinson State University’s New Student Orientation, Freshman Seminar course and best practice literature. The committee is comprised of the faculty/staff currently teaching Freshman Seminar courses. First Year Experience was developed to provide incoming students the academic, personal and social skills to successfully complete their first year of college and transition into becoming a successful upperclassman.
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center at Dickinson State University offers academic support to enrolled students, face-to-face and online. The Tutoring Center promotes students' intellectual growth and self-confidence, regardless of initial skill or ability level. Certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, trained peer tutors offer individualized support for many DSU courses.
Services to Faculty
The Student Opportunity and Resource Center provides positive and comprehensive academic support services for faculty through student referrals concerning peer mentoring or peer tutoring; in-class workshops on note-taking, testing strategies, study skills and anti-plagiarism; and Supplemental Instruction using peer-assisted study sessions.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded Title IV college assistance program. The Dickinson State University TRIO SSS works to assist first generation students, low income students and students with disabilities through academic assistance and planning, professional development workshops, social interaction opportunities, and much more, at no expense to participants. Dickinson State University TRIO SSS program entrance is limited to 185 students and is very competitive. Students eligible to participate must be U.S. citizens or meet the residence requirement for federal student financial aid. Students must also be enrolled at DSU, be first generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university), low income (as set by federal guidelines) or have a documented physical, learning or mental disability and demonstrate areas of academic need. TRIO SSS is located in May Hall, 2nd floor, suite 209.