Student Services 
The services of the Student Services Office occur prior to, during, and after the student attends the Institute. These functions include a wide range of services including career development, diagnostic testing, prior learning evaluation for advanced standing, various types of educational placement assessments, orientation, housing assistance, counseling and ongoing support services, advisement, financial aid, the graduation process, job placement assistance, and records management. The Student Services Office is located near the front entrance of the Mickelson building.
School organization membership is encouraged. Social, civic, and service projects foster a broadened appreciation of the world outside the classroom and enhance the personal development of the student. Business, health, and industrial leaders recognize the value of club participation in identifying leadership potential in their prospective employees. Activities that supplement the regular curricula offerings contribute to the educational, cultural, and physical well being of the students. Organized activities are provided for student cooperation and competition in individual or group efforts and allow for the demonstration of students' talents.
Welcome to Western Dakota Tech! Get ready for an excellent educational experience! The Student Services staff is ready to help you succeed. We offer a full line of quality services that are available to help you build your future. Our service representatives are anxiousto teach you how to best utilize your new skills so you can succeed. Student Services is your home away from home for assistance with academic, career, personal, and financial concerns. The friendly staff will walk you step by step from beginning to end of your educational experience at Western Dakota Tech.
Western Dakota Tech, changing lives...building futures.
Janell Oberlander, Dean of Student Services, Janell.Oberlander@wdt.edu
Looking for a warm smile and helpful information?
Step into Student Services anytime. We are located just inside the main entrance of the Mickelson building. In Student Services you will find detailed information about Western Dakota Tech! You may speak to a Financial Aid Advisor, the Dean, the Registrar, the Career Services coordinator, or the Counselor. We can direct you to our Academic Services coordinator or Special Services coordinator and always assist you by putting you in contact with the correct Western Dakota Tech staff member.
Our staff consists of WDT personnel and many work study students. We are a great team and our goal is to ensure you are pointed in the right direction and are on the road to success at Western Dakota Tech!
You can always count on Saundra for helpful information,
answers to questions, solutions for problems, and a friendly smile!
Saundra Ewing, Receptionist/Information Desk Saundra.Ewing@wdt.edu
Please contact our Financial Aid Office for detailed assistance in getting you through the application process. Have you put off applying for financial aid because of all of the paperwork involved? Are you confused about where to start? Are you wondering how much aid you might qualify for? Let us help make the financial aid process a little more pleasant.
Enjoy a quality customer service experience by letting the financial aid staff assist you. The friendly and knowledgeable staff help students and parents establish eligibility for federal financial assistance. Their focus is developing and delivering student-centered financial guidance that enables students to achieve their higher educational goals through the procurement of grants, scholarship and student loan opportunities. Stop in to see what financial aid options are available. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, you can count on us to help you complete those never-ending forms and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about funding your education.
Our financial aid staff offer knowledgeable and confidential service through a streamlined “student-friendly” process. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Starla Russell, Financial Aid Manager, Starla.Russell@wdt.edu
The main focus of the Special Services program is to assist non-traditional students in their quest for higher education. Non-traditional students are defined as single parents, displaced homemakers, minority students, first generation college students, and students enrolled in gender-underrepresented programs. Melanie provides several financial services, such as emergency funds and book loans, but also provides emotional support.
If you just need to talk or if you’re in a tight situation and don’t know where to go, just let her know. She has several resource listings and provides referrals to offices and organizations statewide. Even if you aren’t a non-traditional student, Mel is still able and willing to help.
Melanie Krauter, Special Services Coordinator, Melanie.Krauter@wdt.edu
Curt is an energetic member of the Student Services Staff who supports students as they secure employment during and after their education at Western Dakota Tech. He sings the praises of WDT students to employers and the community and is available to be a friendly advocate as students pursue their career.
Support services include: resume review, mock interviews, on-line job posting, and career fairs. Other student support services include working with veterans to navigate federal forms and procedures required to receive their education benefits. Curt inserts optimism and sense of humor. Stop by Career Services for support in reaching your career goals or visit Career Services here.
Curt Lauinger, Career Services Coordinator, Curt.Lauinger@wdt.edu
The Disability Services Coordinator works with a variety of students with a wide-range of academic abilities and Mary Ann even employs students to help! If you enjoy helping students achieve their academic goals, can work well with faculty and staff, and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, apply to be a student mentor! If you are an empathetic listener (even when you prefer NOT to hear some things) and can exercise patience and perseverance, you can join the team and assist other students with strategies for success! Apply only if you are caring, compassionate, thoughtful, and concerned about each student’s success!
Go to: Academic Skill Center
Mary Ann Slanina, Academic Services Coordinator, MaryAnn.Slanina@wdt.edu
Western Dakota Tech has joined the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and National American University to provide an alcohol and other drug education program. Activities include: Late night club (fun things to do), Tri-C Production Co. (photography, poster design), Open AA meetings, Safe Rides taxi program, Choices and other educational programs, Bystander training (about intervention and not standing by), CORE Survey, etc.. If you have concerns, suggestions, questions, or want to participate in the activities of the Campuses Community Wellness Coalition (CCWC)
Mary Jo Farrington, CCWC Coordinator, Maryjo.Farrington@sdsmt.edu