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 anxious to 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?

Lenora is the one for you if you need a transcript, changes in your schedule, verification of enrollment or help with graduation. There isn’t a problem Lenora can’t solve when it comes to your student record.  See her for all your record needs!

 Lenora McCollum, Registrar Assistant, Lenora.McCollum@wdt.edu

A complementary combination of helpful information and a cheerfulgreeting. Saundra can be put into multiple situations and always come out with a smile. Saundra  can be considered the CEO of the front desk, quick to find a solution to any question for students and staff and always answers the phone with a smile on her face.  Who would not want to attend Western Dakota Tech when greeted everyday by this pleasant individual!

 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.

Enjoy a quality customer service experience by letting the financial aid staff assist you. Starla assists students and parents in “cutting through the red tape” in order to establish eligibility for federal financial assistance.  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 is among Starla’s main goals. 

                                                                                                                   Starla Russell, Financial Aid Manager, Starla.Russell@wdt.edu

Is it the “time to begin” and you are wondering how you are going to finance it?  Stop in and visit with Sharon to see what financial aid options are available. 
  With over 15 years of experience, you can count on Sharon to help you complete those never-ending forms and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.  If you need “knowledgeable, friendly, and free” advice about the confusing world of financial aid, Sharon is the person for you!

 Sharon Martin, Financial Aid Senior Assistant, Sharon.Martin@wdt.edu 

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 Tera help make the financial aid process a little more pleasant for you.  Tera can help you complete the FAFSA, answer questions about the financial aid process, provide scholarship information, and try to make the process a fun learning experience. 

                                                                                                                       Tera Krull, Financial Aid Assistant, Tera.Krull@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 considered a non-traditional student, she 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.  Strengths include optimism and sense of humor.  Stop by Career Services for support in reaching your career goals. Visit the Career Service site 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

Feeling overwhelmed?  Life got you down?  Don’t know where to turn?  See the WDT Counselor for assistance!
  The counseling office offers a one-stop shop of good advice, a listening ear, skills development, resources, and assistance with a variety of issues and concerns.  Whether it is better self-esteem, less stress and anxiety, improved academic performance, or decision making assistance that you seek, the Counselor can help.  Indulge yourself!  Become a better you!  Stop today. Visit the Counseling site here.

Lucille "Rae" Getz, Counselor, Rae.Getz@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

The mission of the Student Services Office is to facilitate the growth of each student in an atmosphere of support, encouragement and mutual respect.  The members of this department advocate for the students.  Each seeks to enhance and protect both the rights and the responsibilities of each student and of the Institute and the community.