Student Communications
Southeast Tech’s student email accounts will be used as Southeast Tech’s official means of communications with students. Southeast Tech students should also use the STInet Student and Campus Life tabs for information regarding important upcoming events and required dates for fee payment, etc. The Student and Campus Life tabs will also inform students about job opportunities, scholarship information, and other important announcements.
Services for Non-traditional Students
Southeast Tech offers special targeted services for a wide variety of nontraditional students. An advisor is available to assist eligible individuals in selecting a program of study, applying for financial assistance, locating childcare, and networking with community resources. Students considered nontraditional fit into one of the following categories:
1. Individuals in training programs that are nontraditional for their gender (25% or less of the individuals working in that field are of the same gender); 2. Single parents; 3. Single pregnant women; 4. Displaced homemakers; 5. Dislocated workers; 6. Students not coming directly out of high school; 7. Individuals unsure of their career direction.
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. It is a federal law governing the privacy and handling of educational records and giving specific rights to students. You can find more information on the law at https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Who is covered by FERPA?
FERPA covers students who are currently enrolled, or who were formerly enrolled, regardless of their age or status with regard to parental dependency.
FERPA does not cover students who applied to a school but did not attend, and deceased students.
What are “Educational Records”?
Educational records are records that are maintained by the Institute as part of the educational process in any form (i.e. handwriting, print, tapes, film, microfilm, microfiche or electronic data storage). Educational records do not include alumni records, records made by the campus police, or records made for employment, medical or counseling purposes. Private notes (kept in the sole possession of the maker, not made with a student or other person present, used only as a personal memory aid, and not accessible to anyone other than the creator of the record) held by school officials that are not accessible or released to other personnel, are also excluded.
Who might have access to student information?
- The student, and any third party with written permission from the student
- School officials (as defined by Southeast Tech)
- Parents of a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (an IRS copy of the most recent year’s federal tax form showing that the parent claims the student as a dependent must be provided before an educational record will be released)
- A person in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order, as long as Southeast Tech makes a reasonable attempt to notify the student first
What kind of information can be disclosed to a third party?
FERPA uses the term “Directory Information” to refer to information which may be released without specific written permission from the student, except in certain cases specified by the regulations. Most Directory Information is data that would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.
Southeast Tech has determined the following items as Directory Information:
- Student’s name
- Address
- Phone Number
- E-mail address
- Major field of study
- Degrees and awards received
- Information which denotes accomplishments or achievements
- Individual and/or group photographs
- Dates of enrollment
- Number of credits in which enrolled (part-time/full-time status)
Currently enrolled students may request that directory information not be released by completing the Request for Non-Disclosure of Directory Information form and returning it to the Registrar’s Office.
What is considered “Non-Directory Information”?
Non-Directory Information is any educational record not explicitly classified as Directory Information.
Examples of Non-Directory Information (this information will NOT be given to a third party without the written permission of the student):
- Student class schedule
- Religious affiliation
- Citizenship/nationality
- Disciplinary status
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Grade point average (GPA)
- Marital Status
- Social Security number
- Grades and exam scores
- Test scores (SAT, ACT, COMPASS, HOBET, final exams, etc.)
This private information will not be released to anyone (including parents) without written consent from the student except under strictly defined conditions.
What are some conditions under which educational records may be released?
Southeast Tech is under no obligation to release records at any time, unless required by law. Records may, however, be released at the discretion of Southeast Tech under the following circumstances:
- In the event of a health or safety emergency, student information may be released to the appropriate authorities as required to protect the safety of the students.
- Certain federal and state educational authorities may obtain educational records.
- Parents or guardians who can demonstrate by income tax returns that students are their dependents may be eligible to view records.
- Southeast Tech may release student records in response to court orders or subpoenas.
- Military recruiters may request student information under the Solomon Amendment of 1996 which permits Department of Defense representatives to access school campuses and obtain student information for military recruiting purposes.
Dual Credit Students: According to the United States Department of Education, when students are enrolled in high school and a post-secondary institution (dual credit students), the two schools may exchange academic information on that student. If the student is under 18, the parents still retain the rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.
Students wanting to designate persons or agencies to have access to non-directory information must complete the Release of Information form on STInet, which will grant access to Southeast Tech’s Release of Information portal. Students may revoke these rights at any time by completing the online Revoke Release of Information form.
Who should I contact for more information?
You can contact the Southeast Tech Registrar by stopping at the Student Success Center in the Mickelson Center or by calling 605.367.7466.
Student Notification of Rights under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, or head of the academic department (or appropriate official) written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
- The right to request amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the school will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosures without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the school in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the school has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
Title IX
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
–Legal citation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX)
Southeast Tech is committed to providing an educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind as outlined by federal and state law and the policies of the institute.
Part of the institute’s goal and responsibilities is to provide training for employees and students regarding how to respond to and report concerns, how to intervene, and how to maintain a working and learning environment that is positive and respectful.
Southeast Tech has designated the Vice President of Student Affairs, located in the Student Success Center, as the Title IX coordinator. Concerns may be reported directly to this individual in person or by calling 605-367-7487. Individuals with immediate concerns should call campus security at 605-941-9003.
All reports of harassment or discrimination at Southeast Tech are investigated with the goal of eliminating the concern, preventing its recurrence, and addressing its effects. See Student/Complaint Process and Harassment for more information.
The following are additional resources regarding Title IX, harassment and discrimination:
Student Right-to-Know/Campus Security Act
Southeast Tech is required under Public Law 101-542 to encourage students to report all crimes (murder, rape, forcible or non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle and other thefts or crimes) which occur on the Southeast Tech Campus to the local law enforcement offices and to the Southeast Tech Student Success Center or campus security. The Southeast Tech Campus is policed by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department. Southeast Tech’s security officers are contracted through the Minnehaha Sheriff’s Department.
Access to the Southeast Tech campus facilities is authorized through the President’s Office. Building keys are issued to staff as needed. All staff are authorized to call the appropriate authorities in case of an emergency. All buildings shall be locked and unlocked by Southeast Tech employees. Southeast Tech employees must be present when buildings are open. Unless other arrangements have been made, Southeast Tech buildings will open at approximately 7:00 am during weekdays and will close Monday through Thursday at approximately 10:00 pm. On Friday, the buildings will close at approximately 5:00 pm. All buildings remain locked after hours and throughout the weekend unless prior arrangements have been made.
Southeast Tech provides students and staff with educational programs/information established to prevent the occurrence of all crimes (including sex offenses) on campus and procedures to be followed, if such crimes occur. These programs/information are provided during campus events, within courses, or through media such as brochures, websites, the Catalog, etc. In addition, Southeast Tech provides a full-time day security officer and part-time evening coverage for our students’ safety.
In the event a student believes that a crime (including all types of sex offenses) has occurred, the student should contact local law enforcement authorities and notify a Southeast Tech administrator or campus security. It is important that all evidence be preserved for law enforcement investigation. In addition to criminal prosecution, institutional disciplinary action may be taken in all situations involving a crime conviction on the Southeast Tech campus. Sanctions may include oral or written reprimand, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or termination. Accuser and accused will have the same opportunities during disciplinary proceedings and both will be informed of the outcome of these proceedings. Students involved in campus crimes will be counseled by Southeast Tech staff and referrals made as needed.
Safety & Security
Southeast Tech publishes an annual report each fall in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act. Students may access Southeast Tech data at http://ope.ed.gov/security or www.southeasttech.edu in the About Us/Safety and Security section. The crime report and a Southeast Tech crime log are also available upon request through the Southeast Tech Security Office.
Additionally, as part of the Security Act, students are advised that they can access information regarding registered sex offenders from the Sioux Falls Police Department, Records Division, 320 W 4th St, Sioux Falls, SD or call 605.367.7226 or go to www.minnehahacounty.org and click on Departments/Sheriff.
Student Right To Know Act (Graduation Rate Information)
The Student Right-to-Know Act, passed by Congress in 1990, requires institutions eligible for Title IV funding, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to calculate completion or graduation rates of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time students entering that institution, and to disclose these rates to current and prospective students. To read more about the Student Right-to-Know Act, please visit the National Center for Education Statistics website at http://nces.ed.gov.
The following is a report on the completion or graduation rate of full-time students at Southeast Tech. As of September 2014, of the first-time students who started full-time course work at Southeast Tech during the fall semester of 2011, 38% had graduated, 6% were still students, 14% transferred out, and the remaining 42% were no longer attending.
Southeast Tech’s four year average graduation rate calculation is 37% and the transfer out rate calculation is 11%.
Special Accommodations Notification
Students need to notify the Admissions or Student Success Center within 48 hours of any Southeast Tech event if specific individual accommodations are requested by calling 605.367.6040.
Veteran’s Regulations (Veterans & War Orphans)
Southeast Tech is approved by the Veterans Administration for the education of veterans, and is responsible for certifying coursework and transmitting necessary credentials and information to the Veterans Administration. For more information, contact the Southeast Tech VA Certifying Official at businessoffice@southeasttech.edu or 605-367-7124. Also, see http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.
Student Insurance
Students are responsible for their own insurance for medical expenses in case of injury. Students should be covered by their own insurance or their parent’s/guardian’s insurance. The school does not carry insurance for student injuries while in class, on campus or at school-sponsored activities.
Laptop Program
Southeast Tech was the first campus in South Dakota to initiate a wireless laptop program for its students. All new students entering a Southeast Tech laptop required program who are registered for six credits or more will purchase their laptop through Southeast Tech. Southeast Tech purchases laptops directly from the manufacturer every year and passes the savings on to the students. In addition, laptops purchased through Southeast Tech provide access to all necessary program software and campus resources and are pre-configured depending on the student’s major. Southeast Tech laptops are covered by a comprehensive service arrangement which includes on-site repair and customer support for three years through Southeast Tech’s Information Technology Support Center. Laptops are also available to students in Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) and iPad required programs through the same conditional sales agreement process.
BYOL is available for students in specified programs only. These programs are identified on the Southeast Tech website. Students enrolled in these programs will have the option to purchase a laptop from Southeast Tech or to bring their own laptop that meets the minimum requirements listed on the Southeast Tech website. If the student chooses to purchase a laptop through Southeast Tech, it will be covered by a comprehensive service agreement which includes on-site repair and customer support for three years through the IT Support Center. Students wishing to purchase a Southeast Tech laptop should complete the reservation process outlined on the website as soon as possible to ensure a laptop is available for them prior to the start of school. If a student chooses not to purchase a Southeast Tech laptop, all warranty agreements and repairs for their laptop will be the responsibility of the student. Software support, however, will be provided at the IT Support Center for a small fee.
iPad required refers to the technology requirements set for Surgical Technology and Invasive Cardiovascular Technology students only. Students enrolled in these programs will be required to bring an iPad. A 3rd generation iPad or newer, excluding the iPad mini, will meet the requirement for these programs. iPads will need to be purchased by the student and will not be sold under the Southeast Tech Conditional Sales Agreement. The student will be responsible for all warranty agreements and repairs if needed.
Southeast Tech Laptop Benefits Include
- Guaranteed software compatibility
- 3-year warranty, including on-site repair
- Free comprehensive software support (includes use of a loaner for current students)
- Laptop may be financed with Financial Aid, if applicable
The laptop model purchased by each student is determined by the major or program of study that they have declared. Students in Southeast Tech laptop required programs in the Advanced Technologies and Engineering Technology areas will purchase an HP ZBook, Media Design and Digital Media Production Technology students will purchase an Apple MacBook Pro, and students in other programs will purchase an HP EliteBook.
More information regarding laptop specifications (processor speed, memory, hard drive, etc.) and other laptop program details are posted at http://www.southeasttech.edu/academics/technologyrequirements/. Questions should be directed to the Information Technology Support Center at 605.367.4461.
All software issued to students in Southeast Tech laptop required programs belongs to Southeast Tech and will be removed upon graduation or termination.
*Software, hardware and intranet restrictions don’t allow Southeast Tech to provide hardware support or software for laptops not purchased through Southeast Tech. Please discuss any concerns you may have with the Information Technology Support Center.
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