Dual Enrollment

The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day in the Black Hills! Spring must be here because I have already seen four people wearing shorts, never mind that they were shivering and almost running across campus.

There has been a lot of attention directed at the current seniors but I think it is time to visit with you juniors and sophomores about attending Black Hills State and how it might not be as far off as you think. You can start earning college credits while still in high school. Dual enrollment has many great advantages. Below are some of the things to think about.

You can save money: The cost savings for you and your parents is substantial. Much of the cost of higher education stems from room, board and other living expenses. Dual enrollment courses give you the opportunity to take a university course while you live at home and attend high school, so you’ll save those costs. In addition, tuition at in-state universities is substantially less than many out-of-state universities. So if you are planning to attend college out of state, classes taken here at home will cost less.
Ease the transition to college: Dual enrollment classes can help ease the transition from high school to university courses because it gives students the opportunity to experience a university-level classroom and adjust to university-level academic expectations. Students learn to work on their own and set study timelines. It’s an opportunity for ambitious high school students to get a jump start on their college careers.
Transfer your credits: The dual enrollment policy in South Dakota, which was enacted through a legislative bill passed in 1990, allows high school students to get a jump start on their college career while fulfilling high school requirements. If you choose to attend a South Dakota Regental university, transferring the credit is simple. Courses can also be transferred to out-of-state universities when you enroll. The grade you earn in the course becomes part of your permanent high school and university record.
Choose a class and register: Classes are offered on the BHSU campus and in Rapid City. Some courses are also available through distance learning options. Browse the BHSU class schedule to find a course that will work for you.

By participating in the dual enrollment program, a high school student can make substantial progress toward a college degree before finishing high school. You will earn not only college credit but you will be able to use those courses to continue to fulfill your high school requirements as well. Your high school counselor already knows about the dual enrollment program, so ask them. They will have suggestions on what types of classes to look into and how to construct your high school schedule in order to accommodate a college course. Either myself or Maria Hartung will be traveling to the local schools over the upcoming months to visit with any current sophomores or juniors about this program. If you have further questions or if you don’t want to wait until we come to you, give one of us a call. For those of you in Spearfish, Lead/Deadwood, Belle Fourche, or Sturgis, you can contact me at 605.642.6227 or at Emily.Pier@bhsu.edu with any questions. Students in Rapid City and the surrounding communities can contact Maria at the Higher Education Center at 605.394.3350 or at Maria.Hartung@bhsu.edu. This is a great way to begin the next stage in your life! Please call us with any questions!

GO JACKETS!

Emily Pier
BHSU Admissions Counselor
Emily.Pier@bhsu.edu

Go Jackets!