Admitted Student Checklist

Step 1: Visit Campus

If you haven’t been to campus yet – and even if you have – we’d love to host you for a visit. While on campus, we will show you where you’ll go to classes and where you will hang out with your new friends. Schedule your visit here. If you have questions about next steps, please reach out to admissions@northern.edu or call 605-626-2544.

Step 2: File Your FAFSA

File your FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you haven't already. We use this information to help determine the aid, grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible. Northern State University's FAFSA code is 003466. Learn more about the FAFSA and financial aid options.  

Step 3: Set Up Your Wolves Email

We send all sorts of important information to your NSU email once you're admitted to NSU. Setting up your Wolves email as soon as possible ensures you won't miss a thing. You'll need to click your personalized link in an email we sent shortly after you were accepted. If you can't find it, search your email for: Your NSU Credentials - Activate Your Wolves Account from help@northern.edu or reach out to Admissions and we can help.  

Step 4: Apply for Campus Housing

Submit your Residence Life housing application to ensure you get your top choice residence hall. If you’re not sure which one you want, don’t fret – check out options here. Living on campus for your first two years is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the university community. You’ll be surrounded by fellow students experiencing the same milestones, making it easier than ever to build lasting connections and get involved in campus traditions. Contact the Office of Residence Life for more information.

Step 5: Register for New Student Orientation (HOWL)

HOWL (Helping Our Wolves Learn) is Northern’s required orientation for all new students. It’s designed to help you get comfortable on campus, meet other new Wolves, and learn about the resources that will support you as you prepare for your first semester. During the day, you’ll explore opportunities, hear from campus leaders, and begin building your Northern experience.

During HOWL, you will:

• Meet other new Northern students
• Connect with campus departments and resources
• Explore involvement and campus opportunities
• Attend small-group sessions to shape your Northern experience
• Learn about academic success and student support
• Tour residence halls 

Step 6: Set Up Your Technology

Get tech-ready for your first semester by downloading the essential NSU apps and completing these required setup steps:

• Download Navigate360: Your hub for tracking academic progress, viewing important dates, and connecting with your advisors and tutors.
• Download Brightspace Pulse: The mobile version of D2L (our learning management system) that lets you access your course materials anywhere.
• Verify your tech: Review the NSU laptop policy to ensure your personal device meets the requirements for classes.
• Set up Pack Pass Mobile ID: Ensure you have your digital campus ID ready to go.
• Review Privacy & FERPA: If you want parents or guardians to have access to your student records or billing information, please complete FERPA forms. 

Step 7: Complete Final Admissions Requirements

Once you’re done with high school (yay!), submit the following information so we can finalize your admissions application.

• Request final transcripts from your high school or previous colleges. These must be sent directly to the NSU Admissions office. If you are a transfer student with an Associate or Bachelor's degree, high school transcripts are not required. This includes all dual credit and PSEO transcripts.
• Submit final ACT or SAT scores to the Admissions office. While not required for admission, these scores are preferred for some scholarships and course placement.
• Submit Advanced Placement (AP) scores to the Admissions office if applicable. AP scores of 3 or above are needed to earn college credit.
• Submit a copy of your immunization records to the Admissions office unless you are an online-only student. We want you to stay healthy so you can focus on making memories! To keep our campus safe for everyone, all new students need to provide proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations. You can easily send your records to the admissions office (admissions@northern.edu) or reach out to our Immunization Compliance Coordinator (hlthser@northern.edu), with any questions. 
   

Step 8: Set Up a Tuition Payment Plan

• Once you are registered for classes, set up your tuition payment plan. Student bills must be paid in full or have a payment plan in place before classes start. You will not receive a paper statement—statements are posted on Self-Service Banner and updated weekly. Statements are also sent to your NSU Wolves email.
• Explore other financial aid options including outside scholarships, student employment, Tribal assistance, Military Service Member and Veteran benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation services, and payment plans.

Step 9: Order Your Textbooks

Find what materials are required for your classes and get the best value on textbooks and course materials through Northern State University's official online bookstore. Order your textbooks before classes begin to ensure you have what you need on the first day.

Step 10: Prepare for Classes

Get ready for a successful semester:

• Review your course schedule on Self-Service Banner or the Navigate360 app. Be mindful of important dates for each term including schedules unique for partial term and summer courses.
• Create a plan for studying and academic success using support resources available through the Student Success Center.
• Complete the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program application if eligible. Actively participate in every class whether online or in person and connect with your faculty directly.
• Complete attendance confirmation on Self-Service Banner each fall and spring semester. Attendance confirmation must be completed by the Census Date.
   

Step 11: Purchase a Parking Permit

If you are bringing a vehicle to campus and wish to park in designated student parking lots, you will need a Student Parking Permit. Permits may be purchased online annually and are required for use of university parking lots. Contact Campus Safety for more information.

Step 12: Get Involved on Campus

Make the most of your Northern State University experience by getting involved:

• Participate in your orientation program. If you will attend classes on the Aberdeen campus, make plans to attend Wolf Pack Welcome. Online-only and Huron Community Campus students will receive orientation details prior to the start of the term.
• Connect with Career Services about on-campus and off-campus employment and work-study opportunities.
• Become active in campus life through recognized student organizations, student government, campus activity board, homecoming, intramurals, American Indian Circle Program, music and fine arts events, and student athletic events.
• Explore wellness offerings available through Counseling Services, Student Accessibility Services, and Student Health.
• Review campus dining options and select a plan that's best for you. If you live in on-campus housing, a campus mailbox will be assigned to you at the NSU Post Office in the Student Center.
   

Arriving on campus can feel overwhelming, so we've outlined key steps to guide you from now through your arrival. If at any point you have questions, please reach out to your admissions counselor or email admissions@northern.edu or call 605-626-2544.