
FAQs
Financial Aid & Payment
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Just like you do your taxes every year, your financial aid status needs to be updated and readdressed every year. You should fill out a new FAFSA after you complete your yearly tax forms.
What is Attendance Confirmation and do I have to do this?
Students must confirm that they will be attending a South Dakota Board of Regents university each and every semester they are enrolled to specify their payment information and refund preferences along with verifying their addresses on record. Also, by completing this process, financial aid offices can award students more efficiently and quickly. Attendance Confirmation is completed in Webadvisor about 20-30 days prior to the start of each semester. Students receive an e-mail regarding how to complete this process from their HOME school. The link to complete Attendance Confirmation can be found at the upper part of the screen on the "Student's Menu" in Webadvisor about 20-30 days prior to the start of the semester. Bullet points on Attendance Confirmation:
- Confirm attendance for upcoming term
- Select payment options and responsibilities
- Select refund preferences – mail out service or Direct Deposit
- Refunds will not be generated unless attendance confirmation is completed
- Review and update address and contact information while attending school
- Designate a Refund address – valid only if you select mail out service and you wish the refund to be mailed to an address other than the address while you are attending school
Do I have to be seeking a degree to qualify for financial aid?
Yes, you must be seeking a degree or be enrolled in an eligible certificate program to qualify. Contact the financial aid office if you have questions on your eligibility.
Does University Center offer payment plans?
Yes. Knowing many of our students are balancing work, school and a family, UC offers flexible payment options. Find payment plans here.
How does the FAFSA determine how much financial aid you receive?
The FAFSA evaluates factors such as assets, family income, household size and the number of family members in college to estimate what a family can provide for educational expenses and what "need" is remaining. It is the "need" which determines the amount of federal aid you are eligible to receive.
How many credits do I have to take to qualify for financial aid?
As an undergraduate, you need to be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least five credit hours.
How much can I borrow in federal student loans?
Undergraduate limits range from $5,500 to $12,500 per year depending on certain factors, including your year in college. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 each year. In addition, PLUS loans may also be available for graduate students to help pay for their education.
How will I know if I’m approved for financial aid?
Your home university will send you an award letter that lists what financial aid you are eligible for.
If I take credits from more than one university, which school processes my aid?
Your home university through which you are seeking a degree will process your aid.
What are the FAFSA school codes for University Center?
Your FAFSA code will depend on which university you’re earning your degree from:
USD: 003474
SDSU: 003471
DSU: 003463
NSU: 003446
BHSU: 003459
What are the guidelines for independent versus dependent student status?
FAFSA has strict qualifications for determining independent students, and this status may not match your tax filing status. Find the guidelines for independent student status here.
Which FAFSA form should I complete to cover Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters?
For Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters, you should fill out the FAFSA form that has the same start and end years (i.e. if you want Summer 2015, Fall 2015, and Spring 2016 to be eligible for aid, you would fill out the 2015-2016 FAFSA. The online form can be found at www.fafsa.gov. You will need to have your recently filed tax forms, W2s, and a PIN (Electronic Signature) in order to complete the form. If you need a PIN (or can’t remember it), you can get obtain it by visiting www.pin.ed.gov. If you have a PIN and can't remember it, choose "Request a Duplicate PIN."
What is a financial aid award?
A financial aid award includes a variety of financial sources to help you meet the cost of college. Awards consist of student loans, grants, scholarships and other gift aid.
What is my EFC, and is it the same at every school?
Your EFC is your estimated family contribution determined by the FAFSA. This is the amount that the FAFSA estimates you can provide for education expenses as determined by your family’s financial situation. Your EFC is a set amount and will be the same at every university.
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized direct loans?
A subsidized direct loan is awarded based on need; the loan offers a low interest rate, and no interest will accrue on it while you’re in college. An unsubsidized direct loan is not awarded on the basis of need. This loan accrues interest from the time of disbursement.
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used to apply for financial aid including loans and grants. Scholarships are applied for and processed separately through University Center. Start your FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.
When and how do I need to pay for classes?
Students access their bill using the SDePay system available through WebAdvisor. We do not send paper bills. Payment is due in full the day following the add/drop date, which is uniquely set for each term, but typically falls within the first 10 days of the start of classes.
Which are better: federal student loans or private student loans?
You should always maximize your federal student loan options before seeking private loans. Federal student loans are guaranteed and regulated by the U.S. government and do not require a credit check. These loans also have a fixed interest rate that is lower than most private student loans. Private student loans are not subsidized by the government and aren’t regulated as closely. They may have variable interest rates and fees based upon your credit profile.
Why should I fill out the FAFSA when I could just get an alternative loan?
Although applying for a private or alternative loan may seem easier, remember that federal student loans usually have lower interest rates and better repayment options. Additionally, universities use information from the FAFSA to determine other types of financial aid including grants and work opportunities.
What is Completion Rate and How does that affect my educational goals?
Federal regulations require that a student complete (earn) a minimum of 67 percent of the credits they attempt in order to remain eligible to receive student financial aid. Attempted credits and credits earned are accumulated at the end of each semester.
Attempted credits include:
- All credits for courses in which a student is formally enrolled as of the first day of class (this includes credits taken at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree levels and credits taken during enrollment as a non-degree student)
- All credits that a student drops or adds after Add/Drop Period and any drop or withdraw that might happen before the last day to withdraw (see Academic Calendar)
- All credits for courses in which the student enrolled, but subsequently withdrew or failed
- Transfer credits from another school that are accepted
- Credits earned through examination and credit by portfolio assessment
Earned Credits include:
- All credits completed with grades of 'D' or better as well as Satisfactory and Pass grades
- Pre-general courses count toward aid eligibility (i.e. ENGL 033, MATH 095, etc.), but only courses numbered 100 or higher count in completed credits; therefore they impact a student's satisfactory academic progress requirement for financial aid. A passing score of "RS" is used in determining continued eligibility as RS is "Remedial Satisfactory"
- Transfer credits from another school that are accepted
- Credits earned through examination and credit by portfolio assessment
Example: If a student who has attempted a total of 30 credits after one year of enrollment and completed 12 credits in the fall and 6 credits in the spring, for a total of 18 credits, does not meet the minimum 67% completions rate [18 (divided by) 30 = 60%] This student is below the minimum 67% required completion rate and does not meet the Student Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard and risks loss of eligibility to receive student financial aid.
Students who fail to complete 67% of their cumulative attempted credits risk loss of eligibility for student financial aid.
Undergraduate degree students who fail to complete a minimum of 67 percent of their cumulative attempted credits at the end of a semester will be placed on a 1 semester Financial Aid Probation Status for their next semester of enrollment. Undergraduate students failing to meet the required 67 percent completion requirement after a semester on Financial Aid Probation Status will be denied student financial aid in future semesters until their completion rate is back to 67 percent or higher.
Students are only allowed 1 Financial Aid Probation semester. Graduate and professional degree students who fail to meet the 67 percent completion requirement will be denied student financial aid until their completion rate reaches 67 percent or more of credits attempted. Graduate and professional students do not receive a 1 Financial Aid Probation semester.
What if my work has a tuition reimbursement program?
University Center offers a deferment program for students with employers offering tuition reimbursement. To enroll, you need the following items:
- Signed authorization form from your employer stating that the employer agrees to reimburse the student for tuition.
- Copy of your employee handbook or policy manual page(s) that state what requirements must be met in order for the employer to make a payment. For example, some employers require that the student earn a “C” grade or above before reimbursing the cost of tuition.
Bring these items to the UC Business Office to complete your deferral agreement. Here, you will also need to sign a deferral agreement. The tuition due date is usually calculated as a date after grades are posted for that semester. Please note: a new deferral agreement must be completed for each semester, and the items listed above are required each time.
The deferral agreement obligates students to pay the amount owed by the date for final payment regardless of whether or not they have been reimbursed by the employer. Failure to pay by the posted final payment date can result in a late fee, an administrative withdrawal from all classes at University Center, the inability to obtain transcripts and the inability to register for next semester's courses.
I’m completing my taxes and need a 1098-T, where do I find it?
A college or university that received qualified tuition and related expenses on your behalf is required to file Form 1098-T with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 states that educational institution are required to file and furnish a Form 1098-T to students whom payments for qualified billed tuition and related expenses were received during the applicable (Jan-Dec) calendar year. The information being reported to the IRS verifies your enrollment with regard to certain eligibility criteria for the Hope Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit and the Higher Education Tuition and Fees Deduction. However, the enrollment information by itself does not establish eligibility for either credit or deduction. Since the University sends your 1098-T information to the IRS, there is no need to attach a copy of the form to your tax return. The information contained in the 1098-T will help you to determine if you may claim the Hope or the Lifetime Learning education tax credits. View your 1098T by logging-in to Heartland Campus Solutions (ESCI). For Heartland Campus Solutions Customer Service call (866) 428-1098. Visit the following SDBOR link for step by step instructions for getting your 1098-T: SDBOR Website.
Do I have to register for Selective Service?
In order to qualify for federal college loans and grants, all young men must register with the U.S. Selective Service System when they turn 18. Registering will also keep men eligible for important opportunities like jobs and job training programs. The easiest way to register is to check 'yes, register me' when filling out the FAFSA, or register online at https://www.sss.gov/Home/registration. There's no late penalty for registration, but once a man turns 26 he can no longer register, and becomes permanently barred from all opportunities associated with registration, including college loans and grants. Visit www.sss.gov to learn more.
Current Students: Academics
Am I only allowed to take classes from my home university?
No – you can take classes from any and all partner universities at UC. Universities and their courses work together seamlessly at UC, so your credits will still add up even outside of your home university. Taking classes from multiple universities gives you more choices, better options and a great way to take a broad range of classes. A student taking classes from more than one university is described as cross-enrolled. But even though you’re cross-enrolled, you can still complete just one admissions form and make one payment for all classes.
How can I meet with an advisor?
Call 605-274-9500 to schedule an appointment.
How do I add or drop a course?
New and current students may add or drop courses using WebAdvisor or by completing an add/drop form. If you have a restriction or hold on your account, you cannot drop or add a course until the hold is cleared. After you add or drop semester classes, we advise you to look at “My Class Schedule” to verify the correct changes were made.
How do I register for classes?
First, you’ll need to meet with your academic advisor, who will help you plan your schedule and select the right classes for the coming term. Once you have a plan in place, you can register online through your home school's WebAdvisor. In some cases, students may also use a paper registration form.
How do I withdraw from all courses?
You may drop all of your courses for all South Dakota universities by completing a withdrawal form. You can find these at the UC front office or from your advisor. If you have financial aid, we advise you to meet with a financial aid advisor prior to withdrawing, as this may have implications on your financial aid.
Where do I find out about class cancellations?
If an instructor needs to cancel a class, you can check University Center’s homepage for an announcement. If inclement weather forced us to cancel all classes and close the campus, UC will post the cancellation on the homepage of the website, alert students, faculty and staff via Campus Alert System as well as notify local radio and television stations.
How will I be notified if a class is cancelled due to low enrollment?
Occasionally, classes may be cancelled if enough students don’t enroll. If this happens, a staff member will contact you by phone, email or regular mail. A full tuition refund will be made if tuition has been prepaid, unless you choose to register for another class.
What immunizations must I provide?
Due to regulations mandated by the Board of Regents, all students, whatever their classification or status, must document their immune status for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine; or two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine; or the presence of immune antibody titers for measles, mumps and rubella shall be required. Immunization forms are available at University Center. Students who fail to provide the required, signed proof of immunization or file an exemption for religious or medical reasons shall not be permitted to register for or attend classes at any state institution until in compliance. Students born before January 1, 1957 are exempt from providing immunization documentation. If documentation is not presented at the time of registration or already on file, you will not be registered until the documentation is provided. If you do not know if your MMR documentation is already on file, please call (605) 274-9500 to verify this information.
What is FERPA?
FERPA stands for the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s personal education records kept at the university. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of each student’s education records and covers matters relating to accessing student records and the disclosure of such records.
What is WebAdvisor?
WebAdvisor is an online portal that allows current UC students to view semester class schedules, register for classes, add or drop classes, obtain unofficial transcripts, view SDePay accounts, find financial aid information and more.
You can log onto your school's WebAdvisor here or by choosing your school on the UC homepage. If you’ve never used WebAdvisor and need a username and password, select a link to your home university, click on “Students” and follow the steps under the “I’m New to WebAdvisor” link. Here you’ll be able to get a username and password, then log on and manage your class activity (See Webadvisor Tutorial).
When should I register for classes?
We encourage you to register as soon as you can. Most classes have a limit on the number of students accepted. Registering early will ensure you get the best classes that fit your schedule.
Where can I find the semester class schedule?
You can find the semester schedule by logging onto your home school's WebAdvisor. Locate classes under the “Search for Sections” link. You can also find course offerings here on our website.
How do I know where my class will meet?
The location of your class will be listed on your course schedule. There are two primary classroom buildings at University Center:
- UC Main Building (FADM or Classroom Building) – this is the building in the center of our 3 buildings. In addition to classrooms, UC's Main Building houses administration offices, advising, Student Success Center, IT Help Desk and The Business Office.
- Science & Technology Building (FSC1) – this is the southern building. It has classrooms, science labs and most faculty offices.
To view a map of these locations, see UC Facilities
Current Students: Tutoring
How can I schedule a tutoring session?
The Student Success Center (FADM-205) offers walk-in tutoring opportunities Monday – Friday. See the tutoring schedule for details.
What can I do if the subject I need tutoring in isn’t offered?
We want you to succeed in class, but recognize that not all classes can be represented with tutoring/supplemental learning; however, you may have options not yet considered, contact your course instructor or academic advisor for suggestions. Additionally, visit the Academic Resources page to see what more might be available to you.
What Subject(s) are offered?
At this time, University Center's Student Success Center offers free tutoring in various subject areas – Click here for the tutoring schedule and current subjects offered. If you need help in a subject that is not available for tutoring, you are encouraged to utilize your HOME Campus's resources or Varsity Tutors or BrightStorm.
Who is eligible for tutoring? Is it free?
Any student who is current and registered for classes at one of the six post-secondary South Dakota public universities offered at UC may utilize our tutoring services for free.
Current Students: Proficiency Testing
What is the CAAP test (Proficiency Exam)?
The proficiency (CAAP) exam is designed to measure students' knowledge of material covered in general education courses. All who are seeking an associate or baccalaureate degree from one of the South Dakota's regental institutions must satisfactorily complete the proficiency tests. The proficiency exam, produced by ACT, consists of four, 40 minute each, multiple-choice exams in science reasoning, math, reading, and writing skills.
The examination is scheduled once each semester, during the first two weeks in November and the last two weeks of March. Bachelor degree-seeking students are required to take the exam as soon as they have passed 48 credit hours at or above the 100-level. Associate degree-seeking students must take the examination as soon as they have passed 32 credit hours.
Prior to sitting for the exam, students should have completed at least three credit hours in each of the following areas: composition, speech, mathematics (at or above the level of college algebra), natural sciences (six credit hours recommended), social sciences and humanities/fine arts. Students who do not take the examination when notified will not be allowed to register at any of the SD regental universities for two academic terms.
Does my home school have more information/study materials for the CAAP exam?
As University Center is a location, your home institution has additional test dates, study materials and information on the scoring of your CAAP exam. The CAAP test is administered by the Assessment Offices and delivered to University Center so students can have the convenience of taking the exam locally. Click on the links below to visit your HOME school's Academic Assessment Office:
When is the CAAP (Proficiency Exam) offered at University Center?
The exam (full and re-takes) is administered on behalf of the Assessment Offices at each SDBOR institution at University Center twice per academic year (November and March). All SDBOR students required to test will be notified by letter approximately three weeks prior to testing.
How do students prepare for the CAAP exam?
To ensure that you’re prepared for the exam, incoming freshmen should complete these courses in their first 30 credit hours: completion or current enrollment in college algebra (or an equivalent higher level math course), composition and one general education course in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities/fine arts. You can obtain sample test question packets/information by physically visiting the UC Testing and Resource Center or by visiting ACT's CAAP site.
What should a student bring with them on test day?
Students must arrive with a photo ID to be allowed to test, at least 3 sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers and a calculator for the mathematics portion of the exam. Note: these calculators are NOT allowed:
- Pocket organizers
- Handheld or laptop computers
- Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices
- Calculators built into cellular phones or other wireless communication devices
- Calculator models with QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards (calculators with letters are permitted as long as the keys are not arranged in the QWERTY format)
- Calculator models with built-in computer algebra systems including:
Casio CFX-9970G, Algebra fx 2.0, Class Pad 300 and Class Pad 330T - Texas Instruments TI-89, TI-92 series and TI-Nspire CAS (unless the 84 keypad is in place)
- Hewlett-Packard HP-40G, HP-48GII, HP-49G and HP-50G
What if a student is not earning a degree, but just wants to take some classes? Do they still need to take the exam?
If you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student (eligible for financial aid and earning a degree with one of the SD BOR schools), you are required to take the exam. If you are a non-degree seeking student (not eligible for financial aid and not pursuing a degree), you are NOT required to take the exam. All degree-seeking students must take the exam to continue with their studies.
What happens if students are NOT successful on the exams?
Students who do not meet the minimum required score(s) on the exams will develop a remediation plan with help from the Remediation Plan Advisor at their home institution. Remediation involves the use of training materials or resources specific to the exam that wasn't passed in an effort to help the student learn the material. Students who have remediated will be allowed to retest in the specific area(s) of deficiency twice within the allowed time frame (2 semesters). The retests must be completed on the specified testing dates. For additional information, contact the Assessment Office at your home institution.
What type of calculator is acceptable/prohibited on the math portion of the CAAP test?
Prohibited calculators include all calculators in all of the following series:
• Casio CFX-9970G (including, for example, CFX-9970GE)
• Casio Algebra fx 2.0
• Hewlett-Packard HP-40G
• Hewlett-Packard HP-49G
• Texas Instruments TI-89
• Texas Instruments TI-92 (including, for example, TI-92 Plus)
You may use any four-function, scientific or graphing calculator as long as it doesn’t have any of the features on the list.
Current Students: SDePay
What is SDePay (NelNet)?
NelNet is the vendor with whom the South Dakota Public University System has contracted to provide for secure on-line payments, online statements and e-Billing services. SDePay is the on-line system.
How can I pay my bill?
- Online: Students can pay online through a WebAdvisor link to SDePay by clicking on the link provided by the email notification using e-Check or credit card (American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, VISA). If you use a card to pay your bill, you will be charged a 2.75% service fee by NelNet. You will not be charged a fee if you pay online by e-Check.
- Online: Authorized Payers can pay on-line through NelNet Authorized Payer site using e-Check or credit card (American Express, Discover Card, VISA, MasterCard). If you use a credit card to pay the bill, you will be charged a 2.75% service fee. There is no service charge if you pay using e-Check.
- By Mail: If you wish to pay by paper check, please include your student ID number on the bottom of the check to ensure the amount is posted to your account. Mail you payment to University Center Cashier, 4801 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 or to the address at the top of your billing statement. We cannot accept or process credit or debit card information through the mail.
- In Person: You can pay in person by check or cash at the University Business Offices, during normal business hours. We cannot accept credit or debit card payments in the University Business Offices.
Can I pay my tuition and fees using a credit card?
American Express, Discover Card, VISA and MasterCard can be used to pay student charges online. The links to the online payment site can be found on the e-mail notification and on WebAdvisor. If you use a card to pay your bill, a 2.75% service fee will be charged by NelNet. You will not be charged a fee if you pay online by e-Check.
How can I pay my account on-line?
You can pay online from any computer that has internet access by logging-in to your HOME school's Webadvisor. The University Business Office staff will not be able to process your online credit card payment at the cashier station. If you use a wireless connection you are advised to use encryption to protect your personal information.
How does e-Billing work for a student and for an Authorized Payer?
An email notification will be sent from [email protected] to your official university email address, announcing that the Student Account Statement is ready to be viewed/paid online. The announcement will also be forwarded to the email address of Authorized Payers. This will be sent each time a new statement with an outstanding balance is processed.
If you are a student, a link in the email notification will take you to SDePay where you can safely log into the e-Billing website using your WebAdvisor username and password.
Once on the e-Billing site, students may set up parents, guardians or others as Authorized Payers who have access to view the statement and make online payments (see Authorized Payers section).
If you are an Authorized Payer (set up in advance by a student), a link in the email notification will take you directly to the e-Billing site, where you can securely log in by typing your user name and password.
Other functions include the ability to see up to 16 months of statements (on the "View Accounts" screen, select "Statement History" from the drop-down menu) and the ability to see history of online payments.
Can I have my e-Bill sent to my personal email account instead of my University email account?
Students within the University System will automatically be provided an official University email address upon admission. University policy requires all students to regularly check messages sent to their University email addresses. Students will be responsible for forwarding the notification to their personal email accounts.
Can I use any type of check as an e-Check?
No, only checks from regular bank, savings and loan and credit union checking accounts will be accepted. Checks issued from savings accounts, credit card companies, money market accounts, home equity or other lines of credit, or money orders cannot be processed as an e-Check. However, you can mail those checks. If you wish to pay by paper check, please indicate your student ID number on the bottom of the check to ensure the amount is posted to your account. Mail your payment to University Center Cashier, 4801 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 or to the address listed on the statement.
Can I pay my account by mail?
Yes. If you wish to pay by paper check (please indicate your student ID number on the bottom of the check to ensure the amount is posted to your account), mail your payment to University Center Cashier, 4801 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 or to the address listed on the statement. We cannot accept or process credit or debit card information through the mail.
What if I don’t receive the email notification?
If you have not received an email notification before the tuition payment deadline, you need to contact the Registrar's Office to confirm your University assigned email address and password. You are responsible for the timely payment of your tuition and fees. You can always view your account balance on WebAdvisor and pay from that information or stop by the Business/Cashier Office to obtain your balance owed.
How do I set up an Authorized Payer on my account?
Log into SDePay e-Billing site via WebAdvisor. Navigate to "Account Summary by Term and Make a Payment, " "e-Billing" and click on the e-Billing Login button. You will need to have the email address of the Authorized Payer to complete the set up process.
Follow the online instructions to create a username and temporary password for each Authorized Payer (The temporary password should be changed by the Authorized Payer when they first log in).
Contact the individuals you have set up as Authorized Payers, and direct them to the e-Billing site. Be sure to give them their username and temporary password that you created, and instruct them to change the password. Also, they should set up their user profile, which incudes a personal email address.
Each billing cycle, both the student and the Authorized Payer will receive an email notifying them that the e-Bill is ready. Students access the e-Billing website using a link in their email or via WebAdvisor. Authorized Payers receive a link in their email that takes them directly to an e-Billing login page. This ensures the privacy of student information on WebAdvisor.
Who and how do I contact someone on campus if I have more questions?
If you have questions, please email or call your home school.
School | Phone | |
---|---|---|
Black Hills State University | [email protected] | (605) 642-6941 |
Dakota State University | [email protected] | (605) 256-5271 |
Northern State University | [email protected] | (605) 626-2566 |
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | [email protected] | (605) 394-2372 |
South Dakota State University | [email protected] | (605) 688-6116 |
University of South Dakota | [email protected] | (605) 677-5613 |
University Center – Sioux Falls | [email protected] | (605) 274-9520 |
If I pay with a credit card, how secure is my information?
University Center accepts credit cards for payment of non-tuition business transactions. The South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) takes credit card security very seriously; University Center is in compliance with the regulations and follows the Credit Card Data security policies of the SDBOR and the University of South Dakota. This policies may be found on the USD policy webpage (Card Holder Data Protection Policy | Credit Card Acceptance | Disposing of and Destroying of Credit Card Information | Primary Account Number Encryption | Policy sections 2.037, 2.038, 2.040 and 2.041). Our institutions have PCI Compliance (Credit Card Security).
Campus Alert FAQs
What if my information is incorrect, I’ve moved or there is an error?
Students must log into the Campus Alert System at www.Everbridge.net and select "My Profile" from under the "Admin" menu. You can make the appropriate modifications to your information, then choose "save" and log-out. Once the changes have been submitted, the information will be updated in the Campus Alert System.
What is SMS messaging?
SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service and is a system for sending short textual messages to devices such as cellular phones. Also know as text messaging, SMS messaging is a fast, robust and reliable means of communicating information quickly. Among other advantages, SMS messaging puts less load on cellular circuits than voice communication and allows near-instantaneous dissemination of important information.
Will I be reimbursed for text messaging expenses?
Emergency SMS notifications is a voluntary program, thus any SMS-related expenses are the responsibility of the individual. At the current time, the Emergency Notification System also supports sending emergency communications to an alternate e-mail address, and in the future more communication tools will be added.
Whom can I contact with questions, comments or concerns about the Campus Alert System?
For questions, comments and concerns about the Emergency Notification System, send an e-mail to [email protected].
Can my parents/spouse/etc. sign up for the Campus Alert System?
At the present time, only current UC students, faculty, emeriti, staff and affiliates may participate in the emergency notification system.
How do I opt-out of the emergency notification system?
To opt-out of Campus Alert System emergency notifications, log in to the Campus Alert System at www.Everbridge.net. Select "My Profile" from under the "Admin" menu and remove all of your contact information except your campus email address. Choose "save" and log-out.
When will the system be used?
The University Center Campus Alert System will be deployed under the following conditions:
-
When a dangerous situation exists on campus that could impact safety (e.g. a dangerous person, bomb threats, fires, chemical release or other event requiring immediate action)
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When UC administration has determined that the system would assist in locating an offender
-
When urgent conditions affect the status of the campus (e.g. tornado, earthquake, weather, wildfire, etc.)
Once initiated by UC administration, the Campus Alert System will begin contact based on the information you have provided. When you receive the message, it is very important that you confirm receipt when prompted. The Campus Alert System will continue contacting you in several ways until it receives a confirmation that the message was received.
Privacy & Confidentiality
University Center (UC) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided to the campus by faculty, staff and students. Therefore, all the data provided to UC as part of the Campus Alert System will be stored in secure electronic systems located within the Board of Regents (BOR) data center.
News & Events
Sociology in the Real World
Posted: April 23, 2019
A Teaching and Learning Exhibit Created by SOC Students from University Center Sioux Falls. Join us for this exciting exhibit Tuesday, April 30 in FSC1 2nd floor commons from 5:30-7:00p.
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