We have compiled a list of the most common questions asked regarding Distance and Continuing Education-related programs. The following questions and answers are listed for both our K-12 professional development classes as well as for our Continuing Education Units and other non-credit programs.

If you require technical assistance for your class, contact NDSU ITS.

Most distance-based classes require you to have access to a computer and the internet. You may be able to access a computer and get internet access at your school or at a public a library. Some classes allow you to print materials or may require periodic access. It would be beneficial to speak with your instructor regarding computer and internet access.

TO ACTIVATE YOUR ELECTRONIC SERVICES AT NDSU YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH THE "CLAIM YOUR NDUS ACCOUNT" AND "ENROLL YOUR SERVICES AT NDSU" PROCESSES. 

To access IT services at NDSU, your electronic ID (e-ID) must be activated. Your e-ID is usually your Firstname.Lastname

New students can activate their electronic IDs 1-2 days after they have been admitted to NDSU. This will give you computer cluster, Library, and NDSU Microsoft Outlook e-mail access. Students will also be given a Blackboard account.

CLAIM YOUR NDUS ACCOUNT

1. Go to http://claim.ndus.edu
2. Click Claim your Account
3. Take the Acceptable Use Quiz
4. Enter your Date of Birth (Format: mm/dd/yyyy)
   • mm = The month you were born, use two numbers
   • dd = The day you were born, use two numbers
   • yyyy = The year you were born, use all four numbers make sure you use the / between each
5. Enter your EMPLID/Student ID, Click Continue
6. Please answer at least 3 of the authentication questions, Click Continue
7. Create and Confirm a new password, Click Continue
8. You will then be notified of your new account id

This account is needed for you to login to your Campus Connection.  To login to Campus Connection you would use the account id given to you in step 8, and the password you created in step 7.

TO ACTIVATE YOUR ELECTRONIC-ID

1. Visit https://ndsu.edu/enroll from any computer
2. Read the State Board of Higher Education Policy 1901.2 and NDUS Procedures 1901.2 and click Continue to agree to abide by these terms
3. Enter your Last Name and your Student ID/Emplid in the lower part of the page
4. On the next page, you will enter your default password. This is in an Xxx##YYYY format
   • Xxx are the first three letters of your birth month with the first letter capitalized
   • ## are the last two digits of your EMPLID/Student ID
   • YYYY are the digits of your birth year
5. You will need to complete the Acceptable Use Policy quiz
6. Click Begin to start the quiz
7. Change your password
8. The old password is the password above (step 7 in the previous section)
9. Select a security question or make a question and give the answer

If you have questions regarding this process, contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk at NDSU for help. 701-231-8685

Your class will be posted in Blackboard or another learning management system during the first week of classes. If your class is not using Blackboard your instructor will email you access instructions to the learning management system you will be using. Your class will not be posted to any learning management system prior to the start of the semester. After the first week of classes, if your class still isn't posted contact your instructor. 

Blackboard is an online course management system that allows professors to post grades, information, and assignments. Blackboard allows students to:

• Hold discussions with their instructors and with other students.
• Turn in assignments.
• Take quizzes and tests.
• Check grades for their courses in Blackboard.

WEB-BASED COURSES
Most instructors use a learning management system (LMS) called Blackboard to post a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Some instructors use another learning management system and then students are contacted by email.

FACE-TO-FACE COURSES
Face-to-face courses often have evening start times or may be offered at off-campus locations.

To add a K-12 professional development class, go to the list of classes and identify which class(es) you are interested in. At the bottom of the page there will be a registration link, click the link and you will be taken to NDSU's marketplace software to register for the class.  

Alternately, if you know the class you are looking for you may go directly to NDSU's registration page and search for the course.

Dropping a class occurs when a student wishes to discontinue enrollment in a particular K-12 professional development course. You will not be dropped automatically for not participating in a class. If you do not participate in a course and do not drop the course, you will be given a grade of F.

Dropping a course can be completed by emailing Janalee Brandt. Be sure to visit our registration page to view the policies regarding dropping a course prior to requesting a drop.

Instructions for ordering your official NDSU transcript are posted on our website. Be sure to check your unofficial transcript to ensure your grades have been posted prior to ordering your official transcript. Instructions for checking your unofficial transcript are also found at the link listed above.

School Year Hours
Monday - Friday  //  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Summer Hours
Monday - Friday (Effective mid-May through mid-August)  //  7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The Distance and Continuing Education office is located within the Office of Teaching and Learning at:

North Dakota State University
FLC building, room 314
Fargo, ND 58102

For regular United States Postal Service mail:

North Dakota State University
Distance & Continuing Education
Dept 2020 PO Box 6050
Fargo ND 58108-6050

For delivery services like UPS and FEDEX:

North Dakota State University
1400 Centennial Blvd  //  FLC 314 *Please include name of person receiving package.
Fargo, ND 58102 

For questions regarding course instruction and materials, please contact the course instructor. For any other questions you may review this frequently asked questions page. If you are unable to find an answer to your question, then we encourage you to contact our office. 

To find out which books you will need for your class and the best source to acquire them, check your syllabus or contact your instructor. The textbook information is also listed on the DCE website under the course you are taking.

For questions related to course content, contact your instructor directly.

Contact your instructor regarding any course attendance issues.

If you are participating in a K-12 professional development class using the Blackboard learning management system at NDSU, here are the instructions for accessing Blackboard.

1. Access Blackboard from the menu at the very bottom of the NDSU home page click the Blackboard link or go directly the Blackboard website.
2. Click the Login button at the top of the screen, OR click the "Click here to login" link
3. Type your Username: (your NDSU electronic ID - i.e. firstname.lastname)
4. Enter your Password: (the same password you use to access your NDSU email using Webmail)
5. Click the Login button.
6.  If you are unable to login to Blackboard with your NDSU username and password, contact the ITS Help Desk (231-8685, Option 1) or E-Mail: ndsu.helpdesk@ndsu.edu. Help Desk locations: 150A IACC, Downtown Campus 420, Library 14

Visit NDSU ITS for further information regarding Blackboard.

• Login to Blackboard
• Click the Bb Help tab at the top of the screen
• Select the appropriate option from the list -- OR --
• Click the links in the "Quick Tutorials" section for more information.

 If you are unable to login to Blackboard email NDSU ITS Blackboard support.