Statement of Nondiscrimination

Equal Opportunity at Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University (in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the laws of the state of South Dakota) is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identification, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, admission to and enrollment in the university (including, but not limited to: recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs, housing, athletic and other university-administered programs and activities). Inquiries (regarding Title IX and/or 504 compliance) and complaints (regarding the same) should be referred to the university’s Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator.

Title IX / Section 504 Coordinator

Heather Miller-Cink

(605) 995-2944

Dakota Wesleyan University will investigate formal complaints of discrimination or harassment in accordance with the university’s discrimination and harassment policy. Questions regarding Title IX may also be directed to:

Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice

Department of Education Building
400 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20202
(800) 421-3481

Policy of Equal Opportunity

Dakota Wesleyan University is committed to a Policy of Equal Opportunity for all students and graduates. Programs are open to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, or other impermissible factors.

The university does not warrant that any posting or opportunity complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act or other federal and state labor laws.

For questions regarding Title IX / Section 504, contact DWU’s Title IX Coordinator.

Your Rights Under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights regarding their education records. Prospective students and families are encouraged to review this information.

Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of submitting a written request to the appropriate university official.

Students may request amendments to records they believe are inaccurate or misleading by submitting a written request specifying the issue.

FERPA does not allow challenges to academic judgments, such as disputing a grade.

If a request to amend a record is denied, students will be notified and may request a formal hearing.

FERPA Definitions and Legal Information

FERPA allows disclosure of education records without consent under specific conditions, including disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.

A school official includes employees, trustees, committee members, contractors, or volunteers performing institutional functions.

Officials have a legitimate educational interest if access to records is required to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

Federal and State Authorities may access education records without consent for program evaluation or approved research purposes, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.

These authorities may also collect and retain data within statewide systems to track educational outcomes.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding FERPA violations.

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Directory Information

Certain student information is designated as “directory information” and may be released at the university’s discretion.

Students may request that this information not be disclosed by submitting a formal request to the registrar.

Requests must be renewed each academic semester and remain in effect until rescinded.

Directory Information Includes:

Student name, telephone number, address, campus mailbox number, parents' names, hometown, high school attended, email address, dates of attendance, full-time/part-time status, honors, awards, special recognition, degrees received, major, classification, activities, photographs, and athletic participation details.

If you choose to withhold directory information, you must complete a request at the registrar’s office by the end of the add/drop period. A new request must be submitted each academic semester.

“Directory Information” is defined under FERPA as information that may be released without consent. DWU is committed to ensuring information is only shared for legitimate educational purposes.